Africa’s Clean Energy Transformation
Africa’s clean energy transformation
Africa’s shift toward clean energy is accelerating at remarkable pace. In the 12 months to June 2025, the continent imported 15,032 MW, approximately 15 GW, of solar panels, marking a record-breaking 60% year-on-year increase (Ember, 2025).
If fully installed and connected, that capacity could generate between 22 and 26 TWh of electricity each year, that is equivalent to roughly two years of Kenya’s national power consumption! The transition away from fossil fuels across Africa is clearly happening faster than many anticipated.
What’s driving the leap
Falling costs and cheap imports
China continues to dominate over 80–90% of global photovoltaic (PV) supply, and falling module prices have made solar deployment more accessible than ever (SolarMagazine, 2025; PV Magazine, 2025).
Expanding geographic breadth
This surge isn’t confined to a handful of nations. Twenty African countries recorded record solar imports in the year to June 2025 (ESI-Africa, 2025). Nigeria overtook Egypt as the continent’s second-largest importer, bringing in 1,721 MW, while Algeria followed with 1,199 MW (SolarMagazine, 2025).
Utility and distributed energy growth
In North Africa and other grid-strong regions, large utility projects are scaling rapidly. Meanwhile, in rural or grid-weak areas, mini-grids, rooftop installations and portable solar kits are driving off-grid electrification and energy access.
New utility-scale projects
Landmark projects, such as Zambia’s 100 MW Chisamba Solar Power Plant, which became operational in mid-2025, demonstrate a growing commitment to large-scale, grid-connected renewable energy infrastructure.
Structural challenges and risks
The continent’s solar surge, while transformative, exposes several underlying challenges:
Import dependency: Africa remains heavily reliant on imported panels and components. Limited local manufacturing reduces domestic value capture and increases vulnerability to supply chain disruptions (SolarMagazine, 2025; Energy News Network, 2025).
Financing and capital access: Despite cheaper modules, many projects still struggle to secure affordable long-term finance for development, grid integration, and storage capacity.
Grid integration and infrastructure: Many national grids lack the flexibility and digital capacity needed to accommodate large volumes of variable renewable energy. Investment in grid modernisation, storage, and management systems is essential.
Lifecycle and sustainability issues: As installation volumes grow, attention must turn to recycling, waste management, and quality assurance standards for PV modules and batteries.
Equity and inclusion: While urban and industrial zones are reaping the early benefits, remote and marginalised populations often remain locked out of affordable and reliable electricity access.
What this means for investors and governments
For investors and governments, capital must now align with urgency. Early investments in solar, storage, and enabling technologies are already proving to deliver strong long-term returns as the transition accelerates. Governments can play a pivotal role in de-risking these opportunities as well. Integration also matters, with modernised grid systems, stronger transmission networks, and digital energy management tools essential to keeping pace with expanding renewables. Above all, a just and inclusive approach must remain central, ensuring equitable access through community energy programs, targeted subsidies, and thoughtful policy design.
References
Ember (2025). Africa’s solar imports surge 60%, giving first evidence of a take-off in solar in Africa. https://ember-energy.org/latest-updates/africas-solar-imports-surge-60-giving-the-first-evidence-of-a-take-off-in-solar-in-africa/
Energy News Network (2025). Africa’s solar imports soar in clean energy push. https://energy-news-network.com/industry-news/africas-solar-imports-soar-in-clean-energy-push/
PV Magazine (2025). African PV imports from China up 60 % in one year, says Ember. https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/08/27/african-pv-imports-from-china-up-60-in-one-year-says-ember/
SolarMagazine (2025). Africa sets record 15 GW in solar panel imports as manufacturing lags. https://solarmagazine.com/2025/08/africa-sets-record-15-gw-solar-panel-imports-as-manufacturing-lags/
