Africa’s love for solar power shows no sign of easing up

The continent is on track to install 17 GW of solar in 2026 — up 45% year-on-year, according to new analysis by energy think tank, Ember, in collaboration with African Tech Futures Lab.

It would represent the third consecutive record year for African solar installations, the analysis notes.

Solar growth is also spreading across the continent: 36 of Africa’s 54 countries are expected to install record volumes of solar in 2026.

The analysis also shows that 19 countries have seen year-on-year growth of over 100%, including 544% in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), 282% in Zimbabwe and 176% in Egypt.

South Africa, once responsible for over half of the continent’s solar imports, will account for less than a fifth of installations in 2026 as growth spreads to new markets.

Key findings

The new solar installed in 2026 alone is expected to generate around 23 TWh a year, enough to meet Africa’s average annual electricity demand growth over the past decade.

In more than half of Africa’s 54 countries, the rise in solar generation is expected to exceed the historic pace of demand growth.

Ten countries, home to a combined 190 million people, will see 2026’s new solar add more than 10% to annual electricity generation: Sierra Leone (97%), Togo (24%), Somalia (21%), Djibouti (21%), DRC (14%), Comoros (14%), Namibia (12%), Liberia (12%), Chad (11%) and Lesotho (10%).

Africa’s solar panel manufacturing is also set to quadruple in 2026, reaching around 3.5 GW as new plants come online in Egypt and Tanzania.

However, most of this output is destined for export to the US — 94% of the panels installed across Africa are still imported from China.

Data challenges

Despite the challenges of collecting data on the growth of solar power across the continent, there is little doubt that the trajectory is upwards.

Only three African countries – South Africa, Tunisia and Tanzania – currently publish solar capacity data every quarter or more frequently.

The analysis finds official reporting on national solar capacity for just 36 of Africa’s 54 countries, and only 14 of those had 2025 data, even that likely undercounting real installations.

However, that is starting to change: at least 15 African countries now have solar registration and permitting systems at an advanced stage, with several already in force, a step Ember and African Tech Futures Lab say is essential if planners, grid operators and regulators are to see the market they are trying to manage.

An estimated three-quarters of the solar capacity added across Africa between 2023 and 2025 was distributed solar — a category largely missing from official national and international statistics.

Read more:

Financial close for SA's Lion Thorn Solar Park

ePointZero to buy Azura Power majority share

Tassili DZ Power, Yuchai plan Algeria genset factory 

As construction and infrastructure projects become larger, more complex and increasingly demanding in terms of quality, technical field service has become an integral part of successful concrete production and placement

The role now extends well beyond supplying construction chemicals, with experienced specialists working alongside contractors, concrete producers and project teams to help maintain consistent concrete performance throughout the project lifecycle.

Concrete quality and performance can be affected by numerous factors, including variations in raw materials, environmental conditions, transportation times, placement techniques and curing methods. Even when high-performance construction chemicals are specified, achieving the required results depends on their correct application, monitoring and continuous optimisation as project conditions change.

Chryso’s technical field service teams play a proactive role in addressing these requirements. Rather than becoming involved only when technical issues occur, Chryso specialists engage with customers from the early stages of projects, supporting concrete mix optimisation, product selection, site trials and performance monitoring. Their regular presence at construction sites and batching plants enables potential issues to be identified and addressed before they lead to production interruptions, quality problems or additional costs.

According to Cornelius Julyan, Field Services team leader at Chryso Southern Africa, technical field support has become a key differentiator in modern concrete construction.

"Construction projects operate under immense pressure to meet demanding quality standards while maintaining programme schedules and controlling costs. Having experienced technical specialists available on site allows challenges to be addressed quickly, ensuring concrete performs as intended under actual operating conditions rather than simply under laboratory conditions." 

Chryso’s technical specialists recognise that concrete performance varies from one project to another. Aggregate properties, cement chemistry, water quality, ambient temperatures and logistics can all affect concrete behaviour. Through continuous monitoring and assessment, teams can adjust admixture dosages and mix designs when required, helping maintain consistent workability, strength development, durability and surface finish throughout construction.

This level of technical support is particularly important for major infrastructure projects, high-rise developments, industrial facilities and specialised civil engineering applications. Such projects often involve highly engineered concrete specifications and strict performance requirements, leaving little room for variability.

Rapid technical response

Fast technical support can also help minimise the impact of unexpected challenges. When issues occur, Chryso technicians can investigate potential root causes on site and recommend practical corrective measures. This approach can reduce production disruption, minimise the risk of rejected concrete and help contractors avoid delays that could affect wider project schedules.

Information collected by Chryso’s field service teams also provides valuable insights for customers. Site observations, testing results and practical experience can be used to optimise subsequent concrete pours, improve batching consistency and support continuous performance improvements across projects.

"Successful concrete construction is built on partnership. Our field service teams work alongside customers throughout the project lifecycle, sharing technical knowledge, optimising concrete performance and helping ensure that every load delivered consistently meets the project's requirements. This collaborative approach gives customers greater confidence, reduces operational risk and ultimately contributes to better project outcomes," added Julyan.

Regular engagement with customers also provides opportunities for knowledge transfer and skills development. Chryso specialists work with batching plant personnel, quality control laboratories, contractors and concrete placing teams to strengthen their understanding of best practices in concrete production and application. This knowledge can help improve consistency beyond the completion of individual projects.

Supporting sustainable concrete construction

As construction methods evolve and sustainability requirements become more prominent, technical field service is increasingly helping customers improve material efficiency while maintaining concrete performance. Specialists can support efforts to optimise cement content, reduce material waste and improve resource efficiency without compromising the required properties of the finished concrete.

“For Chryso, technical support in the field is not simply an after-sales function but a strategic extension of our commitment to helping customers deliver safer, more efficient and higher-quality construction projects,” Julyan concluded. “By combining advanced admixture technology with practical on-site expertise, we help ensure that engineered concrete solutions perform reliably under real-world conditions, giving contractors and concrete producers the confidence to deliver projects successfully.”

Its presence at Electra Mining Africa 2026 confirmed to SEW-EURODRIVE that customers are seeking not only the highest levels of innovation and workmanship, but also comprehensive support throughout the full lifecycle of their drive solutions

This commitment to lifecycle support has been central to SEW-EURODRIVE's evolution in Africa in recent years, including its ambitious Phase 2 development at its headquarters in Aeroton, according to Jonathan McKey, National Sales and Marketing Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE.

"Our objective has been to further strengthen our trusted partnerships by localising more capabilities and supporting customers across the full lifecycle of their equipment," McKey explained.

"Customers know us as a reliable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and we have now strengthened that relationship through additional engineering services, faster turnaround times, greater quality control and a genuine single-source solution for drivetrain support."

This broader engineering philosophy was demonstrated at Electra Mining Africa, where visitors experienced the company's integrated approach to drivetrain support. SEW-EURODRIVE showcased technologies spanning intelligent drive systems, condition monitoring and digital diagnostics. Its DriveRadar predictive maintenance system attracted particular interest, alongside its energy optimisation tools and medium-voltage motor solutions.

"Rather than presenting these as standalone products, the exhibition allowed us to demonstrate how they integrate into a complete lifecycle support strategy for mining and industrial operations," he said.

"We were able to share our depth of engineering expertise with visitors and demonstrate the extent of our local investment, which enables us to provide the comprehensive lifecycle support they are looking for."

A significant element of SEW-EURODRIVE's strategy is its continued investment in local infrastructure. By bringing more engineering capabilities in-house, the company has reduced its dependence on multiple subcontractors, improving quality assurance while shortening repair lead times. Capabilities within the recently completed Phase 2 development include motor rewinding, steel fabrication, shaft manufacturing, stress relieving, sandblasting and complete load testing.

"This approach gives us tighter control over repair standards and pricing," remarked McKey. "It also gives customers confidence that critical drivetrain assets are restored to OEM specifications."

Complementing these capabilities are the company's Experience Centres, where customers can evaluate proposed solutions through simulations. Willem Strydom, Business Development Electronics Manager at SEW-EURODRIVE, explains that many customers want to pursue productivity improvements and greater energy efficiency, but cannot simply stop production to test new technologies.

"We have therefore invested in Experience Centres where we can replicate real applications," Strydom says. "Here, we can compare existing equipment with proposed solutions and allow customers to see the results before making an investment decision."

Applications such as conveyors and automation systems can be replicated, enabling customers to test SEW-EURODRIVE's software, hardware and energy optimisation strategies before implementation.

"This significantly reduces implementation risk for operations that cannot afford unplanned downtime," he stated. "Visitors to our exhibition stands at Electra Mining Africa responded very positively to this practical demonstration capability."

McKey emphasises that these investments have been made with a clear focus on improving both equipment performance and customer sustainability.

"Customers come to us for solutions, so we focus on engineering the complete package," he commented. "This starts with selecting the correct equipment and extends to supporting the installation, programming and lifecycle management that ensures it delivers the expected performance."

Importantly, these services are offered not only for SEW-EURODRIVE equipment but also for drive-related assets from other OEMs. The company's expanded engineering capability enables it to develop technical solutions for a wide range of brands and components.

He also highlights the value of SEW-EURODRIVE's consultative engineering approach.

"This means we begin engaging well before a purchase decision is made," McKey said. "Our engineering teams review a customer's initial specification and analyse the application to determine whether a more efficient solution is available."

Using detailed energy assessments and application studies, engineers can frequently identify opportunities to optimise drive sizing, reduce installed power and lower operating costs without compromising production performance.

"These engineering interventions improve both energy efficiency and total cost of ownership, while helping customers meet increasingly demanding sustainability targets," he explains.

Strydom notes that digitalisation is becoming an increasingly important component of SEW-EURODRIVE's strategy. Intelligent condition monitoring enables maintenance teams to identify developing problems long before they become critical failures, allowing planned intervention rather than costly emergency repairs.

"Our DriveRadar demonstrations at Electra Mining Africa showed visitors how remote asset monitoring enables plant managers to oversee equipment performance across multiple operations from laptops, tablets or mobile devices," he stated. "By providing real-time asset condition data, maintenance teams can prioritise interventions based on actual equipment health rather than fixed maintenance schedules, improving equipment availability while reducing unnecessary maintenance expenditure."

McKey believes that a fundamental shift in maintenance philosophy is underway, with technology playing a central role in eliminating unwanted surprises from plant operations while helping customers work smarter.

"We believe that digital technologies enhance skills rather than replace people," he commented.

Training therefore remains a cornerstone of SEW-EURODRIVE's partnership model. Its expanded DriveAcademy provides training for artisans, technicians, engineers, foremen, reliability specialists and management teams, with programmes tailored to specific operational requirements. The curriculum extends beyond mechanical equipment to include electronics, automation, programming, condition monitoring and modern drive technologies.

EDECS Group, a leading engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor in the Middle East and Africa (MEA), has secured a strategic contract from DP World to redevelop seven operational yards at Terminal 1 of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port

The terminal is operated by DP World Dar es Salaam, with construction activities already underway on site.

The project strengthens EDECS Group’s growing portfolio of marine, port and logistics infrastructure projects across the region, while supporting the ongoing modernisation of one of East Africa’s most important maritime gateways.

Under the contract, EDECS is responsible for the design and construction of seven dedicated cargo and material-handling yards covering a combined 90,000m². The scope also includes associated gates and supporting utilities, alongside infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving port capacity, operational efficiency and long-term resilience.

The redevelopment incorporates infrastructure to support advanced digital yard management systems, enhanced cargo storage and handling facilities, and sustainable engineering solutions. EDECS is also delivering a comprehensive fire protection network covering the entire port, including areas outside the original project scope. In addition, the company is installing a port-wide high-mast lighting system designed to improve safety, security and operational efficiency throughout the port facilities.

Dar es Salaam Port expands regional trade capacity

Dar es Salaam Port is Tanzania’s largest and busiest port, handling more than 90% of the country’s international maritime trade. It also serves as a key maritime gateway for seven landlocked countries across East and Central Africa.

The port plays a critical role in regional trade and connectivity and supports Tanzania’s Vision 2050 ambition of establishing the country as a leading logistics and trade hub in Africa.

Dar es Salaam Port has now exceeded the 30-million-tonne annual throughput benchmark, reflecting growing demand for integrated logistics infrastructure across East and Central Africa. The increase also supports Tanzania’s wider transition towards technology-enabled port operations and more resilient long-term infrastructure.

The transformation of Terminal 1 is already producing measurable improvements. In July 2026, the terminal recorded its highest-ever monthly container throughput of 46,582 TEUs, compared with a starting benchmark of 13,779 TEUs in May 2024. The increase highlights the expanding capacity and operational efficiency associated with the port’s ongoing modernisation programme.

Hussein El Dessouky, chairman and managing director of EDECS Group, said, “We are proud to extend our partnership with DP World through the Dar es Salaam Port Modernisation Project, a development of strategic importance to Tanzania and the region.

Our teams are actively progressing works on-site across the project’s key operational areas, delivering the critical infrastructure required to support safer, smarter, and more efficient port operations. As Dar es Salaam continues to strengthen its role as one of the region’s most important maritime gateways, EDECS is proud to contribute to a project that advances trade connectivity, supports economic growth, and aligns with Tanzania’s long-term national development goals.”

CEO DP World Dar es Salaam, Martin Jacob, said, "The modernization of DP World terminal at Dar es Salaam Port remains central to efforts to enhance trade connectivity and logistics efficiency across East and Central Africa. Building on our relationship with EDECS Group, we are pleased to recognize the speed of execution in civil work."

EDECS expands regional marine infrastructure portfolio

The latest contract adds to EDECS Group’s established track record in delivering complex port, marine and logistics infrastructure projects across the Middle East and Africa.

With more than 30 years of industry experience and an expanding presence across strategic regional markets, EDECS applies its engineering and EPC expertise to infrastructure projects supporting trade, economic development, connectivity and sustainable growth.

The company provides turnkey EPC solutions covering planning, procurement, construction, commissioning and final handover. Its expertise enables clients to optimise designs, streamline project delivery and achieve efficient execution and long-term infrastructure performance.

EDECS specialises in logistics infrastructure, including sea terminals, logistics parks and marinas. Its capabilities also cover roads and bridges, railway infrastructure, water and irrigation projects, earthworks and buildings, allowing the company to deliver integrated infrastructure solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the region.

With its expanding regional footprint, EDECS continues to undertake projects designed to strengthen trade networks, improve connectivity and support long-term economic development.

Africa has an opportunity to convert geopolitical tensions and shifting global trade patterns into a catalyst for industrialisation and long-term economic resilience, according to a new Afreximbank report

Leveraging Geopolitics for Trade and Industrialisation in Global Africa examines trade and economic developments across the continent and globally, and outlines strategies for African nations to benefit from supply chain realignments and changing geopolitical dynamics.

“Africa stands at a critical juncture,” said Dr Yemi Kale, group chief economist and managing director of research and trade intelligence at Afreximbank.

“Geopolitical tensions and economic fragmentation are reshaping global trade patterns, but they also present a historic opportunity for the continent. By strategically leveraging these shifts, Africa can build a more resilient, competitive and inclusive economic future.”

Despite a challenging global backdrop, the report highlights Africa’s strong recent economic performance.

While global economic growth slowed to 3.4% in 2025 and is projected to ease further to 3.1% in 2026, Africa’s real GDP growth accelerated from 3.4% in 2024 to 4.5% in 2025, outperforming the global average.

Africa’s merchandise trade also expanded by 6.1% to approximately US$1.5 trillion, while aggregate inflation fell significantly from 21.6% in 2024 to 13.1% in 2025.

According to Afreximbank, these gains reflect improved macroeconomic management, ongoing policy reforms and the role of development finance institutions in supporting economic stability.

However, the report warns that significant structural challenges remain.

Africa’s trade finance gap is estimated at approximately US$74bn in 2025, limiting the continent’s ability to fully capitalise on trade and industrial opportunities.

The situation is compounded by foreign exchange constraints and a continued decline in correspondent banking relationships.

The report also notes that evolving shipping routes and persistent disruptions in global logistics networks are increasing freight costs and extending delivery times, particularly for economies dependent on imported inputs and external markets.

To strengthen resilience, Afreximbank identifies accelerated implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), expansion of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS) and reforms to the global financial architecture as key priorities.

The report notes that stronger industrial ecosystems, increased intra-African trade and sustained financial support will be critical if the continent is to transform geopolitical disruption into sustainable and inclusive economic growth.

“It is imperative for the continent to act decisively to strengthen regional value chains, deepen industrial capacity, expand access to trade finance, and accelerate continental integration,” said Kale, adding that Africa “cannot afford to delay.”

Read more:

Supply chain boost for African businesses

AFC green bond to boost Ivorian solar sector

New trade finance facility for Angolan firms

Arridex has officially commissioned its Omnifactory in Lagos, marking the launch of West Africa’s first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility

The commissioning ceremony was led by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos state, and brought together senior government representatives, industry stakeholders, members of the diplomatic community and investment delegates participating in the Invest Lagos 3.0 forum.

The Invest Lagos delegation featured participants from the forum’s panel discussion on The Future of Technology and Innovation, where Kayode Adeleke, group CEO of Arridex, highlighted the importance of technology and innovation in advancing Africa’s industrialisation. His insights were shaped by Arridex’s operational experience across sectors including oil and gas, maritime, aerospace, defence, construction and manufacturing.

The Arridex Omnifactory brings together several additive manufacturing technologies within one facility, including Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), Cold Spray, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The facility enables the production of industrial components, spare parts and enhanced part designs for critical industries, while its large-format manufacturing capabilities support the creation of full-scale marine components and other large industrial structures.

The commissioning of the Omnifactory represents the transformation of two decades of accumulated expertise into a dedicated industrial manufacturing platform. Arridex commenced operations in 2005 as an asset integrity company serving Nigeria’s oil and gas industry before expanding its capabilities into maritime, defence, construction, technology and aerospace sectors. The company has achieved zero lost-time incidents across more than seven million operational man hours.

The next chapter of global manufacturing can be written from Lagos

For Nigeria and West Africa, the Arridex Omnifactory addresses long-standing challenges associated with dependence on imported industrial components. Companies operating ageing infrastructure have often faced extended procurement timelines, complex international supply chains and the growing challenge of sourcing legacy parts from manufacturers that may no longer exist. Through the Omnifactory, Arridex will enable these components to be manufactured on demand within Lagos.

Arridex has received Pioneer Status in additive manufacturing from the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC). The company is also the first organisation qualified by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for additive manufacturing deployment in the oil and gas sector. In addition, its joint venture partnership with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) supports the local production of military-grade additive manufactured components.

Further strengthening its position in the global additive manufacturing ecosystem, Arridex is the first African member of the Additive Manufacturer Green Trade Association (AMGTA). The company is also a Designated Strategic Partner of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), with Kayode Adeleke serving on the CWEIC Global Advisory Council.

"Today, I opened West Africa's first multi-technology industrial additive manufacturing facility in Lagos. By producing industrial components and spare parts here in Lagos, Arridex is helping to reduce our dependence on imports, strengthening critical industries and supporting economic growth," commented Sanwo-Olu.

"I commend the Arridex team for their vision and commitment to building solutions that serve not only Nigeria but the wider African continent. Lagos will continue to support investments that create opportunities, grow local capacity and position our state as a hub for innovation and industry."

“We did not set out to build the biggest company, but a resilient one. For over two decades, we have chosen the harder path, and that is to make in Africa what others import, to meet global standards without exception, and to put purpose before profit. The Arridex Omnifactory is where that conviction becomes infrastructure. The name on the door is new, but the work behind it is not. We are not stopping here. By the first quarter of 2027, we will commission the Arridex Mega Omnifactory, which will stand among the largest single-site industrial additive manufacturing facilities in the world. The next chapter of global manufacturing can be written from Lagos. We are building it.” concluded Adeleke.