1. Lake Turkana Wind Farm (Kenya) – 310 MW
Africa’s largest wind project, the Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP), supplies about 15% of Kenya’s electricity, powering nearly one million homes. With 365 turbines spread across 40,000 acres, this US $650 million project represents a major private-sector milestone and the continent’s most significant wind energy installation.
2. Zafarana Wind Farm (Egypt) – 545 MW
Located along the Gulf of Suez, Egypt’s Zafarana wind complex consists of multiple phases built between 2000 and 2010, with smart upgrades added in 2024. It now supports nearly half a million households and contributes significantly to Egypt’s renewable energy target of 42% by 2035.
3. Gabal El-Zeit (Egypt) – 580 MW
On Egypt’s Red Sea coast, the Gabal El-Zeit Wind Farm ranks among Africa’s most powerful. It is central to Egypt’s energy diversification strategy, which emphasizes clean energy and decarbonization through massive-scale renewables. It supports grid stability and industrial demand in energy-intensive sectors.
4. Tarfaya Wind Farm (Morocco) – 300 MW
Located on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, Tarfaya’s 131 turbines generate enough electricity for over 250,000 households while significantly cutting annual carbon emissions. The project is a key part of Morocco’s national plan to achieve 2 GW of wind capacity and 52% clean energy by 2030.
5. Taiba N’Diaye Wind Farm (Senegal) – 158.7 MW
This flagship West African wind project features 46 turbines and powers more than two million people. Since its commissioning in 2021, Taiba N’Diaye has helped boost rural electrification in Senegal from around 30% to 50%. It also marks the first utility-scale wind power plant in the region.
6. Khobab Wind Farm (South Africa) – 140 MW
Located in South Africa’s Northern Cape, Khobab Wind Farm consists of 61 turbines and produces about 563 GWh of electricity annually—enough for 170,000 homes. Commissioned in 2017 under the country’s Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), Khobab is a model for integrated grid participation.
7. Loeriesfontein Wind Farm (South Africa) – 140 MW
Sharing similar specs with Khobab, the Loeriesfontein Wind Farm generates 563 GWh annually from 61 turbines spread across 8,500 acres. Developed by a consortium including Lekela Power, it plays a vital role in diversifying South Africa’s energy mix and reducing carbon emissions.
8. Roggeveld Wind Farm (South Africa) – 147 MW
Straddling the border between South Africa’s Western and Northern Cape provinces, Roggeveld’s 47 turbines produce about 613 GWh per year, powering close to 50,000 households. The project exemplifies how public-private partnerships can accelerate renewable energy delivery across Africa.
9. Cookhouse Wind Farm (South Africa) – 138.6 MW
This Eastern Cape facility features 66 Suzlon turbines and produces approximately 341 GWh annually. It meets the electricity needs of 43,000 homes and reduces carbon emissions by an estimated 384,000 tons each year. Completed in 2014, Cookhouse remains a pioneer among South Africa’s early wind farms.
10. Adama II Wind Farm (Ethiopia) – 153 MW
Adama II, built upon the earlier Adama I installation, operates 102 turbines and generates 153 MW. Located in Ethiopia’s Oromia region, it supports rural electrification and complements the country’s broader green infrastructure investments, such as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Continental Wind Capacity in Perspective
Together, the top 10 wind energy projects contribute approximately 2,372.6 MW of installed capacity. This is a strong regional footprint but remains modest compared to global wind energy trends, where average annual installations surpassed 117 GW in 2023. To meet global decarbonization goals, this rate must nearly triple to 320 GW per year by 2030.
Regional Leaders and Growth Hubs
- South Africa dominates with five of the top 10 wind farms, reflecting its long-standing policy support via REIPPPP.
- East Africa features Kenya and Ethiopia, where wind energy is becoming an essential part of the energy mix.
- North Africa, particularly Egypt and Morocco, continues to invest in gigawatt-scale wind projects aligned with ambitious national climate targets.
- West Africa, represented by Senegal, is emerging with impactful first-of-its-kind developments like Taiba N’Diaye.
Also read: Clean Energy Sources Are Beginning to Overtake Fossil Fuels But Is It Too Late?
Many of the continent’s top wind projects have benefited from blended finance involving development finance institutions, export credit agencies, and private equity. Examples include:
- Lake Turkana (Kenya), backed by a mix of private capital and government support.
- Taiba N’Diaye (Senegal), co-financed through loans and risk guarantees from multilateral donors.
- South Africa’s wind projects, funded through structured public tenders under REIPPPP.
These examples show the importance of strategic partnerships and risk mitigation frameworks in unlocking capital for renewable infrastructure.
Challenges Facing Africa’s Wind Sector
Despite the success stories, Africa’s wind industry still faces several obstacles:
- High upfront capital costs: Wind projects remain expensive in regions with underdeveloped financial markets.
- Weak grid infrastructure: Limited transmission lines constrain the ability to distribute power from remote wind-rich locations.
- Regulatory gaps: Delays in permitting, land acquisition issues, and inconsistent renewable energy policies hinder deployment in many countries.
- Political and investment risk: Investors often cite sovereign risk and lack of long-term policy clarity as deterrents.
Also read: Why Africa and Kenya Are Struggling to Catch the Global Green Energy Wave
Africa’s wind potential is immense, estimated at over 110 GW of technical capacity across the continent. Emerging developments expected by 2030 include:
- Egypt’s 900+ MW wind farms tied to Gulf of Suez initiatives.
- Kenya’s planned Marsabit Wind Corridor, targeting 1 GW in phased development.
- The Morocco–UK subsea wind export project, set to revolutionize cross-continental energy trade.
Unlocking this next wave of projects will depend on strengthening cross-border power grids, improving permitting procedures, and scaling finance from billions to tens of billions annually.
