Nigeria Misses Out On Top Solar Power Users In Africa

Africa’s largest economy has missed out on the list of top solar power installations in the continent. According to a new report, Nigeria is not in the top ten solar power users in Africa.

The report by Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), revealed that Angola topped the chart With 284 megawatts (MW) of solar installations in 2022, followed by South Africa, 111.8 MW, Egypt, Ghana, and Mozambique with 80 MW, 71.3 MW, and 41.9 MW respectively.

According to the report, Africa is now home to more than 10 gigawatts (GW) of identified solar projects. However, Nigeria, with more than 90 million people lacking access to electricity failed to be at the forefront of investment in alternative sources of energy.

While solar installation capacity in Africa has historically been driven by a few “hot spots” such as South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt, more countries are now embracing solar initiatives.

Thirty countries on the continent have installed more than one megawatt (MW), 16 have installed more than ten megawatts (MW), and two have installed more than 100 MW.

According to the report, solar power installation growth in Africa increased by 60%. According to the 2022 report, more African countries are adopting solar energy, primarily in the commercial and industrial segments, with industrial solar power installations in the continent exceeding 10 GW.

The report explained that Africa is unlocking its vast solar energy potential to provide affordable and sustainable electricity not only to rural communities but also to commercial and industrial segments.

According to AFSIA’s Africa Solar Outlook 2023 report, the commercial and industrial segment grew by 61.5 percent year on year in the previous year.

“In total, 949 MW of additional solar energy was installed across the continent in 2022, a 14 percent increase over the 833 MW added to the grid in 2021,” the report read.