Africa leads growth in solar energy as demand spreads beyond traditional markets, report says

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Category: Science/Environment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. defy / dɪˈfaɪ / (v.) – to go against something, such as danger, expectations, or limits
    Example:

    The small company succeeded, defying many experts’ predictions of failure.


  2. import / ˈɪm pɔrt / (n.) – a product or service that is brought into a country from another country to sell or use
    Example:

    The government wants to reduce imports and support local farmers.


  3. aggressively / əˈgrɛs ɪv li / (adv.) – in a very determined and competitive way
    Example:

    The company is aggressively expanding into new markets.


  4. optimum / ˈɒp tə məm / (adj.) – referring to the best possible level, amount, or condition for something
    Example:

    This machine works at its optimum level in cool weather.


  5. overtake / ˌoʊ vərˈteɪk / (v.) – to catch up and move ahead of someone in a race, competition, or progress
    Example:

    Our company has overtaken its main competitor in sales.


Article

Read the text below.

Africa was the world’s fastest-growing solar market in 2025, defying a global slowdown and reshaping where the momentum in renewable energy is concentrated, according to an industry report released in late January.


The report by the Africa Solar Industry Association says the continent’s solar installed capacity expanded 17% in 2025, boosted by imports of Chinese-made solar panels. Global solar power capacity rose 23% in 2025 to 618 gigawatts, slowing from a 44% increase in 2024.


“Chinese companies are the main drivers in Africa’s green transition,” said Cynthia Angweya-Muhati, acting CEO of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association. “They are aggressively investing in and building robust supply chains in Africa green energy ecosystem.”


Some of that capacity has yet to be rolled out. Africa has only 23.4 gigawatts peak of working solar capacity, even though nearly 64 gigawatts peak of solar equipment has been shipped to the continent since 2017. A gigawatt peak represents 1 billion watts of maximum, optimum power output under ideal conditions.


“Africa’s growth is driven by changing policies and enabling conditions in a number of countries,” said John Van Zuylen, CEO of the Africa Solar Industry Association.


“Solar energy has moved beyond a handful of early adopters to become a broader continental priority,” he said recently on the sidelines of the Intersolar Africa summit in Nairobi. “What we are seeing is not temporary. It is policies aligning with market dynamics.”


Historically, South Africa dominated solar imports in Africa, at one point accounting for roughly half of all panels shipped to the continent. The latest data show its share has slipped below a third as demand surged elsewhere. Last year, 20 African nations set new annual records for solar imports, as 25 countries imported a total of at least 100 megawatts of capacity.


Nigeria has overtaken Egypt as Africa’s second-largest importer, as solar energy and battery storage provide a practical and affordable alternative to diesel generators and unreliable grid power. In Algeria, solar imports soared more than 30-fold year-on-year. Imports also surged in Zambia and Botswana.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • The “green transition” in Africa is being heavily driven by Chinese companies. Do you think it’s a smart strategy for Africa to rely on one major international partner for its energy future? Why or why not? What do you think are the benefits and risks of depending on foreign companies for renewable energy development? Discuss.
  • South Africa once accounted for half of all solar imports, but its share has dropped as 20 other nations set new records. Do you think it’s healthier for a region to have one superpower leader or to have many countries growing at a similar pace? Why do you say so? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • In Nigeria, solar energy is becoming a practical alternative to unreliable grid power and expensive diesel generators. Do you think people usually change their habits because they want to save the planet, or because they want to save money and effort? Why do you say so? Discuss.
  • Solar energy has moved from being an interest for a few people to a broad priority for the entire African continent. Once a new technology becomes normal, do you think it loses its excitement, or does it become more valuable? Why do you say so? What is something that used to be rare or high-tech in your country that is now considered a basic necessity? Discuss.