Incredible momentum: GSC forecasts exponential growth of African solar energy from 2025 to 2029

The African continent is on the verge of an energy transformation. According to the latest findings from the Global Solar Council (GSC), the region is preparing for record-breaking growth in the solar industry, surpassing all previous indicators. The report by the reputable organization GSC, published at the end of last year, confirms that Africa is on the brink of an energy revolution.

Rapid Growth of Solar Capacity in the Coming Years

By 2025, the continent is expected to add approximately 4.5 gigawatts of new solar capacity, representing a explosive growth of 54% compared to the previous period and exceeding the results of 2023. This pace significantly accelerates the development of the entire industry. Most notably, GSC forecasts that annual solar capacity installations will increase more than sixfold by 2029, indicating a stable sector dynamic.

This exponential growth is driven by widespread implementation of utility-scale projects and the expansion of distributed solar markets across the continent. According to GSC analysts, the simultaneous expansion of large utility-scale installations and distributed energy systems creates a unique synergistic environment for development.

African Leaders in Solar Energy Adoption

The geographic distribution of solar capacity on the continent remains concentrated. South Africa holds a dominant position with an installed capacity of 1.6 gigawatts, significantly ahead of its competitors. Nigeria ranks second with 803 megawatts, while Egypt rounds out the top three with 500 megawatts. This distribution reflects both natural conditions and investment activity in these countries.

However, GSC emphasizes that capacity concentration will gradually disperse across the continent as new investors are attracted and local energy initiatives are implemented.

Long-term Perspectives and a New Development Vector

GSC’s forecast until 2029 presents even more ambitious scenarios. Analysts expect Africa’s annual solar capacity to reach 33 gigawatts, contributing to energy security and reducing dependence on traditional energy sources. This expansion is based on the anticipated growth of both utility-scale generation complexes and private distributed systems in a greater number of African countries.

GSC’s research conclusions demonstrate that Africa’s solar industry is not just developing but radically transforming the continent’s energy landscape, opening new opportunities for economic development and climate resilience.