Africa Solar Growth Steady but Lags Behind Global Installation Surge
The report excludes residential installations, which are estimated to add 10% to 20% to the total capacity figures.
JOHANNESBURG— Africa's solar power capacity reached 19.2 gigawatts in 2024, marking sustained growth even as the continent's share of global installations remains below 1%, according to the Africa Solar Industry Association's annual outlook report, writes Wallace Mawire.
Last year, the continent added 2.5 gigawatts of new solar installations, maintaining the steady pace set in previous years.
However, this growth rate trails significantly behind the global market, which saw a 44% increase to 503 gigawatts of new capacity.
South Africa and Egypt dominated the African market, accounting for nearly 80% of new installations. South Africa led with 1,235 megawatts, followed by Egypt at 707 megawatts.
"More and more African nations are adopting solar in their energy mix," the report states, noting that 29 countries installed at least 1 megawatt of capacity in 2024, up from 27 the previous year.
The Central African Republic leads the continent in solar's contribution to its power grid, with more than 40% of its electricity coming from solar sources.
Six other nations, including Mauritania and Namibia, derive more than 10% of their power from solar.
Battery storage emerged as a significant trend, with capacity growing from 150 megawatt-hours in 2023 to more than 1,600 megawatt-hours in 2024.
This surge follows a 20% decrease in lithium-ion storage costs, the steepest price drop in seven years.
The report excludes residential installations, which are estimated to add 10% to 20% to the total capacity figures.