Sub-Saharan Africa’s off-grid solar market is due to expand by 450% by 2035, with more than 35% of installations projected to be in Nigeria, according to a new report by global research firm Wood Mackenzie. Across the continent, persistent failures in national grids and growing populations have already created an off-grid “shadow” fuel market, predominantly led by diesel generators. However, the recent rise in fuel prices due to the Iran war, alongside the removal of subsidies in Nigeria and a significant drop in solar panel prices in recent decades, are driving the shift to solar.
Outside Nigeria, Kenya, and DR Congo are also projected to be major solar power hubs. For more of the continent to reap the benefits of solar power, however, blended funding models and consistent rural electrification policies will be needed to help bridge the power gap, the report warned.