Africa's solar boom: Market almost three times bigger than believed, new data shows

New data suggests that the amount of solar power being produced in Africa is almost three times larger than previously thought.

Africa's solar industry is the fastest-growing in the world, outpacing all other regions in solar growth, according to Africa Solar Outlook 2026.

The annual report published by the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA) reviews the status of solar on the continent, country by country.

Export data shows that approximately 63.9 gigawatts (GWp) of solar capacity has been exported (hence likely been installed) from across the continent, compared to what had been estimated at 23.4 GWp of operational solar capacity.

In 2025, Africa recorded the highest year-on-year growth rate of any global region, alongside China and the Middle East, and it outpaced both in relative terms, reports Pan African Visions.

A defining feature of the new report is the rapid expansion of battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Stephen Grootes interviews Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA).

Melamu says the trend is also manifest in South Africa, noting though that the industry's best years were during the height of loadshedding.

She also highlights that battery-assisted solar (BAS) has been one of the key drivers for this trend locally, really driven by the commercial and industrial sectors.

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"We are on record to indicate that what actually reduced the severity of loadshedding wasn't just solar alone, it was solar IN STORAGE. Most households understood that you needed a combination of that PV as well as BAS to secure yourself against the impact of loadshedding."

"I think government is also realising that the combination of both renewable energy - solar specifically, and BAS, is one of the interventions and solutions that will ensure that as a country we will remain energy secure."

Business specifically is realising the benefits of this combination and driving the market she reiterates, particularly in the face of Eskom's above-inflation electricity price increases.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation