However, the agency highlighted significant positive momentum – particularly in the fast-accelerating solar energy market. Africa hosts around 60% of the world’s best solar resources, yet accounts for just 1% of installed solar PV capacity. With electricity demand rising rapidly, meeting future needs will require a major expansion of power systems, including the addition of an average of 24 GW of new generation capacity each year through to 2035 – double the pace achieved over the past decade.

“Energy demand is expected to rise across the continent as access to modern energy improves,” Rita Madeira, Africa Program Manager, IEA stated during the MSGBC Oil, Gas & Power 2025 conference and exhibition in Dakar, adding, “Due to limited access to electricity and clean cooking, as well as affordability constraints, modern energy consumption per household in Africa is very low compared to other regions. However, electricity generation is projected to accelerate with recent positive trends in investment, with solar PV in the lead.”