Africa is heading for a record 17 gigawatts of solar in 2026

Africa is on track to install a record 17 GW of solar in 2026 — up 45% in a year and the third straight annual record, according to energy think tank Ember. Growth is spreading: 36 of 54 countries are set for their best year ever, and new panel factories in Egypt and Tanzania will quadruple the continent's manufacturing.