According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2023, Nigeria requires around USD 34.5 billion to provide electricity access to all households by 2030. This energy challenge is not only limited to Nigeria but also affects other African countries. Currently, 600 million people, or 43% of the total population, lack access to electricity, with most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Additionally, Africa is one of the regions most at risk from climate change. As a result, renewable energy sources, especially solar energy, are gaining widespread traction in Africa.
Compared to other continents, Africa is blessed with some factors that make solar adaptation and development easier. The continent is located in an ideal region for solar power generation, boasting 60% of the world’s best solar resources but only having 1% solar generation capacity. Despite its immense solar resources, much of Africa’s potential remains untapped.
In Nigeria, efforts are being made to harness abundant solar resources to meet energy demands and promote sustainable development. For example, the Prime Teknologies 25 MW power-generating plant in Lagos, Nigeria, will significantly improve the country’s energy and industrial sectors.
The Solar Power Naija program aims to provide electricity access to 5 million households (approximately 25 million Nigerians) in rural areas and underserved urban communities. Additionally, it aims to create about 20,000 jobs in manufacturing, assembly, and installation, catalyzing over 500,000 off-grid solar systems.
Dando Solar Energy, a Nigerian company, specializes in supplying and installing renewable energy solutions, including solar panels and inverters for homes, offices, hotels, and organizations. They offer systems ranging from 1kVA to 10kVA.
Apart from 24 grid-connected electricity generation plants in Nigeria, off-grid solutions such as the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) provide sustainable solutions to electrification issues. The REA has successfully set up over 100 mini grids powering almost 50,000 households and public facilities. Also, innovative off-grid solutions from start-ups and industrial installations are being used to provide businesses with clean energy via on-site solar PV installations.
In Kenya, Solar Home Systems are promoted to provide energy solutions through solar power. Solar Home Systems (SHS) are complete solar electricity setups featuring solar panels, batteries, and charge controllers. They come in varying capacities from being able to power a few lights or small electronics to powering larger home appliances. SHS can accommodate economic conditions in both rural areas and pre-urban settings. According to a 2018 case study conducted by Kenya Climate Innovation Center, 57% of SHS customers are in rural areas, and 35% are in pre-urban areas, indicating a present market in both settings.
The future of solar energy in Africa is promising. Some recent advances in solar technology are making solar energy more accessible and affordable. New materials such as solar shingles are increasing the lifespan of solar cells and improving the market. There are now printable solar cells making it possible to integrate them into various materials and structures. Sun tracking solar panels now make it possible to obtain the most sunlight by monitoring the movement of the sun.
One of the biggest challenges to Africa’s solar energy expansion remains financial. Investment is needed to fully harness the solar energy potential in Africa. According to the IEA, Africa needs $190 billion of investment a year from 2026 to 2030, with two-thirds of it going to clean energy. Solar start-ups like SunCulture, with its headquarters in Nairobi, have been able to raise over $40 million to equip rural farmers with solar-powered irrigation systems.
In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, Africa stands at a pivotal juncture. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) estimates that USD 34.5 billion is needed to provide electricity access to all households in Nigeria by 2030.
As climate change threatens the continent, renewable energy sources—especially solar power—are gaining momentum. Notably, solar organizations and start-ups are making significant strides. Their innovations, coupled with investments and policy support, hold the key to unlocking Africa’s abundant solar potential. By doubling energy sector investment, we can accelerate sustainable development, combat climate change, and foster economic prosperity across the continent.
