Nigeria added approximately 73 megawatts (MW) of solar power capacity in 2024, marking steady progress in the country’s adoption of renewable energy and contributing to a broader solar energy expansion across Africa.

The development was highlighted in a recent report published by the Global Solar Council (GSC), which tracked solar energy growth across the continent.

Solar Expansion Across West Africa

According to the report, West Africa is experiencing a noticeable rise in solar installations. Nigeria’s 73MW increase places it among emerging solar markets in the region, while Ghana nearly quadrupled its solar capacity to 94MW in 2024. Burkina Faso also recorded significant growth, expanding its installed solar capacity by 120% to reach 87MW.

Across the continent, Africa installed around 2,400MW (2.4GW) of solar capacity in 2024. Although this represented a slight slowdown compared to the previous year, largely due to reduced activity in South Africa, industry analysts remain optimistic about future growth.

Africa’s Solar Market Set for Strong Growth

The GSC projects a 42% increase in new solar installations in 2025, driven by delayed projects coming online and rising demand for alternatives to unreliable grid electricity.

The report forecasts that Africa could install approximately 23 gigawatts (GW) of new solar capacity between 2025 and 2028, more than doubling the continent’s installed capacity within four years.

Why Solar Energy Is Becoming More Attractive

Rising fossil fuel costs and frequent power outages are pushing businesses and households across Africa toward solar solutions. In countries like Nigeria, where electricity supply remains inconsistent, solar energy is increasingly viewed as a reliable and cost-effective power source.

The shift is visible among homes, commercial enterprises, and small businesses that rely on solar systems to reduce dependence on diesel and petrol generators.

Financing Challenges Slow Growth

Despite the momentum, financial barriers continue to limit the pace of solar expansion across Africa.

The report notes that capital costs for solar projects on the continent can be up to seven times higher than in developed economies, making it difficult for developers and investors to secure financing. Africa currently attracts only a small share of global energy investment, while high interest rates, currency risks, and limited guarantees further complicate funding.

According to the report’s lead author, these financial hurdles remain one of the biggest obstacles to unlocking Africa’s full solar potential.

Global Climate Context

Analysts cited by Bloomberg noted that shifts in climate policy in major economies, including policy changes under Donald Trump, are unlikely to derail ongoing renewable energy investments, as global demand for clean energy continues to grow.

What This Means for Nigeria

Amid persistent electricity shortages, many Nigerians are gradually adopting solar energy to power homes and businesses. However, experts warn that high upfront costs and limited access to financing continue to slow large-scale adoption.

Still, the long-term outlook remains positive. As financing becomes more accessible and technology costs decline, solar energy is expected to play a larger role in Nigeria’s energy mix and support broader economic growth across Africa.