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Africa’s solar power sector is on the brink of significant expansion, with solar installations expected to reach 23 gigawatts (GW) by 2028, according to the latest market report by the Global Solar Council (GSC).
The report, obtained from Mining Weekly by Zambia Monitor on Monday, highlights that Africa’s solar capacity is set to grow by 42 percent in 2025, signaling what GSC calls a “solar breakthrough.”
Despite this momentum, the report notes that high capital costs and limited financing remain key barriers to faster solar adoption.
“Removing this barrier will be critical to meeting Africa and the world’s climate and sustainable development targets,” GSC stated.
Africa holds 60 percent of the world’s best solar resources, yet solar photovoltaic (PV) accounted for only three percent of the continent’s electricity generation in 2023.
While more countries are embracing solar energy to drive job growth, industrialization, and rural electrification, GSC expressed believe the sector was still in its early stages.
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Zambia doubled its solar capacity in 2024, adding 69 megawatts (MW), driven in part by drought-induced disruptions to the country’s hydropower supply.
Other African nations have also made significant strides. South Africa remained the continent’s largest solar PV installer, but its 1.1 GW of new capacity in 2024 marked a 33 percent decline from the previous year.
Egypt added 700 MW, mainly from large-scale projects, while Ghana, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria installed 94 MW, 87 MW, and 73 MW, respectively.
Ghana nearly quadrupled its solar installations, and Burkina Faso’s market expanded by 129 percent year-on-year. Meanwhile, new installations are increasing in Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, and Gambia.
At least 18 African countries are projected to install more than 100 MW of solar capacity this year, a significant rise from just two in 2024.
While Africa’s solar capacity was set to more than double by 2028, GSC warns that success hinges on securing affordable financing and stronger policy frameworks.
The report highlighted that capital costs for solar projects in Africa were three to seven times higher than in developed countries.
“Many projects struggle to secure financing owing to high interest rates, currency risks, and lack of guarantees. If we can reduce the cost of capital, Africa could become one of the fastest-growing solar markets globally,” said GSC policy officer Léo Echard.
The report urged African governments to explore innovative financing mechanisms, de-risking instruments, and increased private-sector investment to lower capital costs.
Additionally, boosting domestic solar manufacturing and workforce skills could enhance job creation and energy security.
Strengthening grid infrastructure and promoting off-grid solutions would also expand energy access across the continent.
Furthermore, GSC suggested that governments support emerging industries like green hydrogen and e-mobility to attract more private investment into the solar sector.
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