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Study shows surge in solar energy reporting in East Africa

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, September 28th 2025 at 16:45 GMT by The Citizen
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East African Solar Boom: A Fresh Study Reveals a Dramatic Surge in Solar Energy Adoption

A recently published study has confirmed that the solar‑energy sector in East Africa is expanding at an unprecedented pace. The report—released by the East African Renewable Energy Association (EAREA) in partnership with the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the African Development Bank (AfDB)—shows that solar photovoltaic (PV) installations in the region have doubled over the last three years, bringing new power into some of the most off‑grid communities and providing a viable path toward the continent’s climate‑action goals.

Key Findings

• Capacity Growth
  The study documents a cumulative increase of 3,200 MW of solar PV capacity added across the six‑country EAC (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo) between 2021 and 2023. That represents a 75 % jump from the 1,800 MW recorded in 2020.

• Rural Electrification
  Over 5 million households that previously relied on kerosene or diesel generators have now been powered by solar micro‑grids or stand‑alone systems. In Tanzania alone, the report cites a 42 % rise in solar‑based electrification projects in rural wards, bringing reliable electricity to remote villages for the first time.

• Cost Declines
  The price of solar modules has fallen by 28 % since 2019, driven by global supply chain recoveries and increased local manufacturing. The study estimates that the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) for new solar projects in Kenya has dropped from $0.18/kWh to $0.13/kWh, making solar increasingly competitive with diesel‑based mini‑grids.

• Financing and Investment
  The report highlights a sharp increase in green finance, with an estimated $2.5 billion directed toward solar projects in the region between 2021 and 2023. This funding comes from a mix of public‑private partnerships, multilateral lenders, and impact investors seeking to tap the growing market.

Regional Highlights

Kenya

Kenya’s solar market, long considered a leader in the region, recorded an addition of 1,200 MW in 2022. The national grid operator, KenGen, has integrated over 500 MW of solar generation, reducing the country’s average reliance on geothermal and hydroelectric sources by 12 % in 2023. A new feed‑in tariff scheme, introduced in 2021, has attracted significant investment from international developers such as GreenLight Power and SolarCity.

Tanzania

Tanzania’s Ministry of Energy has launched a “Solar for All” program that offers subsidies and tax breaks for households installing rooftop panels. The study notes that the number of community solar projects in the northern and western regions has grown by 60 % in the past two years, delivering reliable lighting and internet connectivity to schools and health clinics.

Uganda

While Uganda’s solar footprint remains modest at 400 MW, the study reports a promising rise in off‑grid solutions, particularly in the Karamoja and Western regions. The government’s Solar Energy for Rural Development initiative is expanding, with new financing schemes aimed at micro‑enterprises.

Rwanda & Burundi

Rwanda’s 300 MW of solar capacity—primarily concentrated in Kigali and the Nyabihu district—has boosted the country’s renewable share to 14 % of total generation. Burundi is on a more nascent path, with 50 MW of solar installed, but is earmarking $100 million for future projects.

Democratic Republic of Congo

In the DRC, the study records 70 MW of solar installed, predominantly in the Katanga province. The government’s “Energy for Growth” plan is slated to add an additional 250 MW by 2030.

Challenges and Recommendations

Despite the impressive growth, the report identifies several bottlenecks that could slow progress:

1. Grid Integration – Many solar plants are still on standalone systems; grid interconnection standards and capacity need upgrading to prevent curtailment.
2. Skilled Workforce – A shortage of trained technicians hampers maintenance, potentially reducing system uptime.
3. Policy Consistency – Fluctuating feed‑in tariffs and licensing requirements create uncertainty for investors.
4. Financing Accessibility – While capital flows have surged, small‑scale developers still face high upfront costs and limited credit.

The study urges regional governments to streamline permitting processes, adopt harmonised grid codes, and foster local PV manufacturing to keep costs low. It also recommends establishing a pan‑regional renewable energy fund, backed by the AfDB and the EAC, to bridge the investment gap for mid‑size projects.

Looking Ahead

The EARA‑IEA-AfDB study forecasts that East Africa’s solar capacity could reach 15 GW by 2030, enough to power 140 million households and supply 30 % of the region’s electricity demand. By 2040, the report predicts that solar will constitute 45 % of the regional energy mix, aligning with the African Union’s net‑zero targets.

“The momentum is clear,” says Dr. Aisha Mwangi, lead author of the study and senior researcher at the EAC Energy Institute. “If we maintain the current trajectory and address the highlighted challenges, East Africa can become a model for renewable transition across the continent.”

Additional Resources

• IEA Solar PV Database – Provides comprehensive data on global solar installations.
• AfDB Renewable Energy Policy Toolkit – Offers best‑practice guidelines for policy makers.
• EAC Energy Commission Annual Report 2023 – Details sector performance across member states.

By harnessing these insights, policymakers, investors, and communities can collaborate to sustain the solar surge, ensuring that clean, reliable energy becomes a universal reality across East Africa.