Africa’s solar energy market is entering a period of accelerated expansion, supported by rising electricity demand, growing investor confidence and rapid deployment across several regions.
Data from the Global Solar Council shows the continent’s solar sector is projected to grow by 42 percent in 2025, with an estimated 23 GW of new capacity expected by 2028.
This expansion would more than double Africa’s current installed solar base and marks a shift away from the continent’s long-standing slow adoption of renewable technologies.
One of the strongest drivers of Africa’s solar momentum is the surge in panel imports. Between January and July 2025, African countries imported approximately 9,516 MW of Chinese-manufactured solar panels, representing a 60 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite this growth, solar PV currently contributes only about 3 percent of Africa’s total electricity generation. The gap between supply and demand signals substantial potential for expansion, especially as countries work to reduce reliance on diesel power, manage rising urban consumption, and strengthen grid resilience.
Access to affordable capital is a persistent challenge. Solar and other energy projects in Africa often face financing costs three to seven times higher than those in developed economies.
The continent attracts roughly 3 percent of global energy investment, far below the estimated US$200 billion per year needed to achieve universal energy access and meet climate commitments.
Analysts note that unlocking Africa’s solar future will depend on:
- Blended finance instruments
- Risk-mitigation guarantees
- Sovereign support frameworks
- Increased private sector participation
- Regional investment platforms capable of scaling bankable projects
Kenya stands out as one of the fastest-growing solar markets on the continent. Building on its strong geothermal and hydropower base, the country is now scaling solar across utility-scale, commercial-industrial, residential and agricultural segments.
In July 2025, Sun King secured a US$156 million financing round backed by Citigroup and British International Investment. The investment aims to expand solar access for off-grid communities and demonstrates the high level of confidence international investors have in Kenya’s renewable energy environment.
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The Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) Phase II program, launched in October 2025, is delivering solar-powered irrigation systems to strengthen agricultural productivity. The initiative, led by the International Water Management Institute, reflects the growing adoption of agrivoltaics and solar-agriculture integration.
Industrial solar adoption continues to expand. In September 2025, Mabati Rolling Mills commissioned a 2.9 MW rooftop solar plant at its Mariakani facility. At the same time, Empower New Energy extended its partnership with Abyssinia Group Industries, announcing a new 9 MWp solar project.
The residential market is benefitting from increased product availability and demonstration projects such as KSTAR’s home energy systems showcased at Solar Africa 2025. Reduced equipment pricing and expanded distribution networks continue to enhance consumer uptake.
Analysts expect several emerging trends to shape the next wave of expansion.
By Thuita Gatero, Managing Editor, Africa Digest News. He specializes in conversations around data centers, AI, cloud infrastructure, and energy.
That’s fantastic news! It’s really inspiring to see so much investment and growth in solar power across Africa – truly a bright future.