Africa solar boom; capacity forecast to double by 2028 says GSC

A recent report from the Global Solar Council (GSC), “Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV 2025-2028”, predicts that Africa will add 23 gigawatts (GW) of additional solar energy capacity by 2028, more than doubling its current capacity.

The report shows that Africa installed 2.4 GW of new solar capacity in 2024, a slight decrease compared to over 3 GW the year prior. South Africa and Egypt together accounted for close to three quarters of new solar installations last year.

According to GSC, its projection that Africa could double its solar capacity within the next four years is based on a medium-growth scenario, primarily driven by new utility-scale projects. The report anticipates that this will “accelerate the installation trend at an unprecedented pace.”

Solar energy expansion in West Africa accelerated significantly last year, with Ghana leading the way by nearly quadrupling its solar capacity through the addition of 94 MW. Burkina Faso followed with 87 MW, and Nigeria added 73 MW. Elsewhere, Zambia doubled its solar capacity by installing 69 MW, while Angola, the Ivory Coast, and Gambia each made their debut in the top ten African countries for new solar installations.

The Global Solar Council (GSC) produced the Africa Market Outlook for Solar PV 2025-2028 produced in partnership with RMI (Rocky Mountain Institute), a non-profit organisation focused on advancing clean energy solutions and sustainability worldwide. The report was also backed by GET.invest, a European programme that supports renewable energy investments in developing markets.

The report explores challenges related to financing solar projects, integrating them into the grid, and the role of both utility-scale and off-grid solutions in improving energy access. Additionally, it offers market forecasts, analyzes investment trends, and provides policy recommendations to facilitate Africa’s transition to clean energy.

Additionally, GSC’s report emphasised on the need for affordable financing mechanisms and robust policy frameworks which are essential for Africa to attract investors and turn these forecasts into reality. 

According to the GSC’s analysis, Africa’s solar growth is hindered by capital costs that are three to seven times higher than those in developed nations. It also notes that while global clean energy investment doubled to $40 billion last year, Africa received just 3% of that total.