Now is Africa’s time to lead in the solar energy revolution. Its countless sunshine hours outstrip those of any other continent. As countries face challenges of energy poverty, decentralized solar solutions are proving to be important accelerators of positive change. For global equity, over 660 million people worldwide still live without access to electricity. A shocking 85% of them live in sub-Saharan Africa, underscoring the need to address this critical challenge.
Today, 60% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under the age of 30. This demographic shift spotlights the urgent demand for sustainable energy solutions that can revive communities and enhance the quality of life. Companies like Altech are doing just that. They provide DIY, install-it-yourself home solar kits with year-round access to clean, affordable electricity to off-grid rural communities.
The Solar Energy Landscape
Africa gets more sunlight than any other continent, which makes it ideal as the location of solar power generation. It has the resources and technology to do so, yet the continent has only drawn 2% of worldwide investment in renewables. This trend has continued over the last 20 years. By comparison, during that same timeframe in 2025, China installed a record-setting 198 gigawatts (GW) of solar power just from January to May.
The African Development Bank’s Desert-to-Power Initiative is positioned to leverage this potential. By the end of 2030, it aims to deploy 10 gigawatts of solar energy in 11 countries around the Sahel region. This enormous undertaking could improve the quality of life for approximately 250 million people. It provides a means of escaping energy poverty and supercharges local economic development.
One thing is clear—betting all the chips on fossil fuels has hurt a large number of communities. As Bruno Idini noted, “It’s sort of a vicious cycle — you don’t have power because you cannot pay for it, but you cannot pay for it because you don’t have power.” This vicious cycle continues to trap residents in poverty and limits growth throughout the entire region.
Innovative Solutions for Energy Access
Altech’s solar home systems are one of many steps in a comprehensive strategy to reduce energy poverty across Africa. These systems have the ability to include optional products like Televisions & Radios that contribute to quality of life for operators. The technology is so simple that it can be installed easily even by non-technical people, putting it well within reach.
Challenges remain. We know that the high, upfront costs of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems are often a barrier. According to Heymi Bahar, “If there is no help from the government in terms of either financing or micro financing systems, it’s quite difficult to pay for all this upfront for many people in Africa.” Only 22% of households without electricity can afford a “tier 1” solar kit, which provides just four hours of electricity daily.
The need for more decentralized and resilient energy solutions has never been more urgent. As Washikala Malango shared about her experience growing up in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), “We wouldn’t even buy enough kerosene to make enough light (to last) until 9 or 10 p.m. Then you spend the rest of the night in darkness.” Not only does a lack of access to reliable electricity negatively impact health, but it significantly limits household income. This has a cascading effect, crushing economic opportunity.
Bridging the Energy Gap
Distributed solar energy is rapidly becoming an important part of Africa’s energy story. It’s projected to account for 42% of photovoltaic growth over the next five years. Solar home systems and mini grids provide a much-needed stopgap as communities—sometimes for decades—wait for the grid to arrive. These solutions can improve resilience and offer immediate relief to energy shortfalls.
Falling costs have made solar energy a no-brainer choice compared to traditional sources of energy like diesel generators. These families are regularly left in a hamster wheel of dependence on costly, dirty energy. As Washikala Malango articulated, “Relying on dirty and expensive sources of energy for lighting, for powering appliances, for learning, this had a very negative impact on our household’s income, on our health.”
Creating equitable communities by ensuring that everyone has access to the benefits of clean energy improves the quality of life for all and jumpstarts local economies. By harnessing Africa’s untapped solar potential, countries can set themselves on the path to a healthier, more prosperous future.
