Africa has surpassed 20 gigawatt-peak (GWp) of installed solar power capacity for the first time, with more than 10 GWp of additional projects under construction, according to new data from the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA).
South Africa leads the continent, accounting for nearly half of operational capacity, followed by Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia. In the first half of 2025, Southern Africa drove most of the growth, with Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Namibia joining South Africa’s surge. Senegal posted the most notable gains in West Africa, adding 54 megawatt-peak (MWp) so far this year.
Algeria, after years of minimal activity, has launched a 3 GW program spanning 20 projects, several of which are expected to come online before the end of 2025. Utility-scale installations now make up about 70% of capacity under construction, a reversal from the post-pandemic years when commercial and industrial solar led the market. Construction activity is also diversifying geographically, with Algeria, Egypt, Angola, Tunisia and Zambia joining South Africa among the top build-out markets.
The expansion contrasts with slowdowns in more mature markets. The U.S. Solar Energy Industries Association reported a 7% year-on-year decline in American installations, while Europe faces project delays and cost pressures. Africa’s solar sector, by comparison, saw new capacity jump 44% in 2024, up from 22% growth in 2023.
AFSIA’s database tracks over 40,000 solar projects, making it one of the industry’s most comprehensive sources of market intelligence. The association’s figures and forecasts are expected to be a focal point at the Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) in Accra on Dec. 3–4, co-organized with SolarPower Europe and GET.invest.
