Off-grid solar in Sub-Saharan Africa projected to surge 450% by 2035
A Wood Mackenzie report forecasts that the off-grid solar market across Sub-Saharan Africa will grow 450% by 2035, with Nigeria accounting for over a third of new installations.
The research predicts a massive expansion of off-grid solar capacity in the region, driven by unreliable national grids, rising diesel costs, and falling solar panel prices. Nigeria is expected to host more than 35% of the total installations, while Kenya and the Democratic Republic of Congo are also set to become key hubs. The shift is further accelerated by higher fuel prices linked to the Iran war and the removal of Nigerian fuel subsidies. The report warns that achieving these gains will require blended financing and stable rural electrification policies.
Why it matters
Rapid solar growth could reshape energy access and reduce reliance on diesel in Africa's underserved regions.
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