https://en.sputniknews.africa/20260304/africas-solar-surge-sustainability-scholars-view-on-powering-continents-future-1083941086.html
Africa’s Solar Surge: Sustainability Scholar’s View on Powering Continent’s Future
Africa’s Solar Surge: Sustainability Scholar’s View on Powering Continent’s Future
Sputnik Africa
As Africa’s solar capacity accelerates beyond earlier estimates, questions are shifting from potential to policy. With installed photovoltaic capacity possibly... 04.03.2026, Sputnik Africa
2026-03-04T10:00+0100
2026-03-04T10:00+0100
2026-03-04T10:00+0100
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Africa’s Solar Surge: Sustainability Scholar’s View on Powering Continent’s Future
Sputnik Africa
As Africa’s solar capacity accelerates beyond earlier estimates, questions are shifting from potential to policy. With installed photovoltaic capacity possibly exceeding 63 gigawatts, the continent’s energy transition is gaining momentum, but experts say the real test lies in how sustainably and independently that growth is driven.
Recent industry data from the Africa Solar Industry Association [AFSIA’s] latest outlook suggests Africa’s operational solar projects stand at 23.4 gigawatts, yet trade figures indicate actual installed capacity could be significantly higher. Beyond the numbers, however, the broader conversation centers on whether current expansion can meet rising demand driven by population growth, industrialization, and the urgent need for reliable electricity access.Global South Pole engaged Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke, Nigerian energy economist, sustainability scholar, and co-chair of the United Nations Independent Group of Scientists (IGS), to assess what these figures truly mean for the continent’s development trajectory.Dr. Adeleke explained that the gap between import data and operational capacity was normal in expanding markets, as imported modules often remained in warehouses, at ports, or under installation before becoming fully operational. He commends the pace of expansion, noting that Africa’s growth rate in solar adoption is impressive relative to its starting base. However, he emphasized that long-term success depends on reducing investment risks, strengthening domestic policy frameworks, and stimulating organic demand so that solar growth becomes internally sustained rather than primarily dependent on external financing.To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on Telegram.► You can also listen to our podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Deezer, Castbox, Pocket Casts, Afripods, Podcast Addict, Overcast, and Mave Stream.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole.
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podcasts, electricity, solar power plant, africa, climate, climate change, power, investment, business, renewable energy , energy, аудио
podcasts, electricity, solar power plant, africa, climate, climate change, power, investment, business, renewable energy , energy, аудио
Africa’s Solar Surge: Sustainability Scholar’s View on Powering Continent’s Future
Aliyu Bello
Correspondent, Podcast Host
As Africa’s solar capacity accelerates beyond earlier estimates, questions are shifting from potential to policy. With installed photovoltaic capacity possibly exceeding 63 gigawatts, the continent’s energy transition is gaining momentum, but experts say the real test lies in how sustainably and independently that growth is driven.
Recent industry data from the Africa Solar Industry Association [AFSIA’s] latest outlook suggests Africa’s operational solar projects stand at 23.4 gigawatts, yet trade figures indicate actual installed capacity could be significantly higher. Beyond the numbers, however, the broader conversation centers on whether current expansion can meet rising demand driven by population growth, industrialization, and the urgent need for reliable electricity access.
Global South Pole engaged Dr. Adedoyin Adeleke, Nigerian energy economist, sustainability scholar, and co-chair of the United Nations Independent Group of Scientists (IGS), to assess what these figures truly mean for the continent’s development trajectory.
Dr. Adeleke explained that the gap between import data and operational capacity was normal in expanding markets, as imported modules often remained in warehouses, at ports, or under installation before becoming fully operational. He commends the pace of expansion, noting that Africa’s growth rate in solar adoption is impressive relative to its starting base. However, he emphasized that long-term success depends on reducing investment risks, strengthening domestic policy frameworks, and stimulating organic demand so that solar growth becomes internally sustained rather than primarily dependent on external financing.
"My recommendation is for governments across Africa to be able to stimulate and to drive organic demand for electricity generation from solar energy such that, with or without external support, they can be able to sustain their trajectory on solar energy uptake installation in their countries," Dr. Adeleke advocated.
To listen to the whole discussion, tune in to the Global South Pole podcast, brought to you by Sputnik Africa.
In addition to the website, you can also catch our episodes on
Telegram.► Check out all the episodes of Global South Pole. 
