Solar energy capacity in Africa reaches 20 Gigawatts, signaling significant expansion and potential formore records
In the ever-evolving landscape of renewable energy, Algeria is making a significant mark on the African continent. The North African nation is currently undergoing a substantial solar capacity expansion, with a major 3 GW initiative encompassing 20 projects, expected to add substantial capacity mostly by the end of 2025. This resurgence in solar activity follows several years of limited activity in Algeria's solar sector.
This ambitious project marks Algeria as a key driver in North Africa's solar growth, joining South Africa and other countries in significantly expanding solar capacity. The continent surpassed 20 GWp of operational solar capacity by mid-2025, with South Africa remaining the dominant solar market, accounting for about half of all installed capacity, followed by key North African countries like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and now Algeria.
The growth trend in African solar energy is robust and accelerating. In 2024, African solar installations increased by 44%, building on a 22% rise in 2023. This rapid expansion is supported by nearly 40,000 solar projects across the continent at various stages, with over 10 GW currently under construction.
In the broader African context, solar constitutes only about 3% of the continent's electricity generation. Barriers such as high capital costs and low energy investment compared to global standards remain, but Algeria's current aggressive investments underscore its transition towards harnessing this potential rapidly.
Meanwhile, in the world of renewable energy forums, the Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) is scheduled for December 2025, in Accra, Ghana. Organized by AFSIA, SolarPower Europe, and GET.invest, the event will undoubtedly focus on the growth trajectory of Africa's solar market, given the continent's accelerating solar energy expansion.
AFSIA's solar database tracks over 38,000 projects, providing granular market intelligence for members and stakeholders. The Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) is not a yearly event held in December.
As we look towards the future, it's clear that Africa's solar potential, which holds about 60% of the world's best solar resources, is poised to be harnessed more efficiently, propelling the continent to the forefront of global solar growth, despite worldwide installation slowdowns.
- As Algeria significantly increases its solar capacity, it is showcasing a dedication to environmental-science and technology, aligning with the broader African context of harnessing renewable energy resources more efficiently.
- In the worldwide discussion about renewable energy, the upcoming Renewable Energy Forum Africa (REFA) will undoubtedly focus on groundbreaking developments in solar environmental-science and technology, particularly in light of Africa's accelerating solar expansion.
