Africa is on course for a record 17 gigawatts of solar this year

Africa's solar boom is about to set a record. Energy think tank Ember estimates the continent will install 17 gigawatts of solar in 2026 — up about 45% on last year — with 36 of its 54 countries posting their strongest yearly growth ever. Six countries are now gigawatt-scale markets: South Africa (3.3 GW), Egypt (2.0 GW), Nigeria (1.7 GW), DR Congo (1.7 GW), Algeria (1.4 GW), and Morocco (1.0 GW). And for the first time since 2019, South Africa's share of the continent's installations has fallen below 20% — proof that the growth is spreading far beyond one country.