Inside Africa’s Renewable Energy Boom Ahead of Energy Indaba 2026

Africa’s renewable energy sector is entering a decisive growth phase, with solar, wind, storage and green hydrogen projects scaling at record pace. This momentum is positioning the continent not only as a high-growth clean energy market, but as a critical destination for global investment seeking bankable, long-term returns.

At the centre of this transformation are Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), the mechanisms enabling large-scale renewable deployment across both public and private markets. These themes will take centre stage at the 18th Africa Energy Indaba, taking place from 3–5 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), including a dedicated IPP & PPA Conference focused on unlocking investment-ready opportunities.

Africa’s renewables surge is underpinned by compelling data that highlights both rapid progress and vast untapped potential. Solar installations across the continent grew by 26% in 2025, reaching 23.4 GW of operational capacity across more than 42,000 projects, the highest year-on-year growth of any region globally. Annual solar additions are forecast to increase by more than 40% between 2025 and 2026, with over 20 GW of new capacity expected by 2028, effectively doubling Africa’s current solar footprint.

Between 2020 and 2025, the continent attracted an estimated US$34 billion in clean energy investment. Solar accounted for more than 52% of this capital, with wind representing a further 25%. Renewable procurement during this period reached approximately 25 GW through government programmes and a further 11 GW via private and corporate agreements, highlighting the growing role of PPAs in accelerating deployment.

Africa’s resource base remains unparalleled. The continent holds an estimated 482,000 GW of solar potential and between 72,000 and 1,300 GW of wind capacity. Pan-African initiatives such as the Nairobi Declaration and Mission 300, which aims to connect 300 million people to electricity, are driving ambitious targets of 300 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.

Despite this, renewables currently account for just 9% of installed capacity, a figure expected to rise to 41% by 2050. Imports of solar and wind equipment have surged by 60% year-on-year to 15 GW in recent periods, signalling rapid market activation and growing project pipelines across multiple regions.

This growth trajectory presents a clear opportunity to address Africa’s energy access gap while driving industrialisation, job creation and climate resilience. However, scaling projects at the pace required will depend on robust regulatory frameworks, innovative financing structures and strong partnerships between governments, utilities, developers and investors.

The IPP & PPA Conference, part of Africa Energy Indaba 2026, is designed to address these priorities directly. The one-day event will explore financing models, risk mitigation strategies and evolving regulatory environments, including developments such as South Africa’s Wholesale Electricity Market. Delegates will gain practical insights into PPA structuring, corporate wheeling, mini-grids and cross-border renewable projects, while connecting with utilities, investors, development finance institutions, policymakers and developers actively shaping Africa’s clean energy future.

“Africa’s renewable energy revolution is accelerating, from record solar growth to surging investment flows,” said Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba. “Unlocking its full potential now requires partnerships and financing at scale. The IPP & PPA Conference is where ambition translates into actionable deals that deliver sustainable power and long-term economic impact.”

Building on nearly two decades as the continent’s premier energy gathering, Africa Energy Indaba continues to serve as a catalyst for high-impact outcomes, convening decision-makers across the energy value chain at a moment when Africa’s renewables opportunity has never been clearer.