Cape Town, South Africa – Africa’s renewable energy industry is recording rapid growth, positioning the continent as a global hub for clean power. The 18th Africa Energy Indaba will take place from 3 to 5 March 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
The Indaba brings together policymakers, investors, developers, and industry leaders to discuss solar, wind, storage, green hydrogen, and key mechanisms like Independent Power Producers and Power Purchase Agreements through a dedicated IPP & PPA Conference.
Recent data shows solar installations across Africa grew by 26 percent in 2025, reaching 23.4 gigawatts of operational capacity from over 42,000 projects, the highest year-on-year growth worldwide. Annual solar additions are expected to jump more than 40 percent in 2025 to 2026, with over 20 gigawatts of new capacity projected by 2028, doubling the current footprint.
Between 2020 and 2025, Africa attracted roughly 34 billion dollars in clean energy investments, with solar accounting for over 52 percent and wind 25 percent. Renewable procurement reached about 25 gigawatts through government programs and 11 gigawatts via private agreements.
The continent is rich in resources, with 482,000 gigawatts of solar potential and 72,000 to 1,300 gigawatts of wind capacity. Initiatives such as the Nairobi Declaration and Mission 300 aim to connect 300 million people to electricity and achieve 300 gigawatts of renewables by 2030. Despite this, renewables currently make up around 9 percent of installed capacity, expected to rise to 41 percent by 2050. Imports of solar and wind grew 60 percent year-on-year to 15 gigawatts, reflecting a fast-activating market.
Liz Hart, Managing Director of the Africa Energy Indaba, said, “Africa’s renewable energy revolution is accelerating, from record solar growth to surging investments, yet unlocking its full potential requires bold partnerships and financing at scale. The 2026 IPP & PPA Conference is where these opportunities converge, turning ambition into actionable deals that power sustainable prosperity.”
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