Africa set for solar installations record in 2026
The continent is on track to install 17 gigawatts of solar in 2026, up 45% year-on-year.
Africa is poised for a record year of solar installations in 2026, according to recent analysis from the global energy think tank Ember and the African Tech Futures Lab. The continent is expected to install 17 gigawatts of solar energy, a 45% increase from the previous year. If these projections hold, it would mark the third consecutive record year for African solar installations.
This surge in solar capacity could play a crucial role in expanding access to electricity for the continent's underserved populations, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). In Francophone West Africa, off-grid renewable energy solutions like solar mini-grids could be particularly beneficial, addressing critical infrastructure gaps and providing power to rural areas where electrification rates can be as low as 2%.
Nigeria's recent $200 million deal to connect rural communities with solar mini-grids reflects the growing importance of solar power in Africa's energy transition.
Written by urgent.news from Semafor's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
