Africa recorded its highest growth in renewable energy capacity in 2025, signaling steady progress in the continent’s shift toward cleaner and more reliable energy, a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency has revealed.
According to the report, Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026, Africa’s renewable energy capacity grew by 15.9%, with an addition of 11.3 gigawatts (GW) during the year. This marks the strongest annual increase recorded on the continent so far.
The growth was largely driven by countries including Ethiopia, South Africa, and Egypt, which continue to invest in expanding their renewable energy systems.
The development comes at a time when global energy systems are under pressure due to rising geopolitical tensions and concerns over fuel supply and prices. Experts say, renewable energy is becoming increasingly important for Africa, offering a more stable and locally available source of power.
Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy can be produced within countries, reducing dependence on imports and exposure to global price shocks. This makes it a key option for improving energy security across the continent.
Despite the progress, Africa’s contribution to global renewable energy growth remains relatively small compared to other regions. The report shows that Asia dominated global expansion in 2025, accounting for more than 70% of new renewable capacity.
This gap highlights ongoing challenges facing Africa, including limited investment, infrastructure constraints, and slower deployment of large-scale projects.
Globally, renewable energy capacity reached 5,149 GW in 2025, following a record addition of 692 GW. Renewable sources accounted for 85.6% of all new power capacity, showing a strong global shift toward clean energy.
Solar and wind energy continue to lead this transition due to their falling costs and faster deployment. These technologies are also gaining ground in parts of Africa, although at a slower pace compared to other regions.
The report suggests that while Africa is making progress, there is an urgent need to scale up investment and accelerate deployment to fully benefit from the global energy transition.
For many countries on the continent, expanding renewable energy is not just about climate action, but also about ensuring reliable electricity, supporting economic growth, and improving livelihoods.
The latest figures show that Africa is moving forward, but the pace of growth will need to increase to match global trends and meet rising energy demand.
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