Distributed Solar Surges Across Africa, Outpacing Official Records

Small-scale rooftop and business solar systems are driving record capacity additions across Africa, but most of this growth remains invisible in national statistics. Analysts using customs data estimate the continent will add 17 gigawatts of solar this year, with 36 countries hitting record installation volumes. The lack of tracking may lead to underinvestment in grid storage and overinvestment in fossil fuels, while high diesel prices make solar increasingly competitive.