Top 10 African Countries Leading in Renewable Energy and Green Innovation in 2025

In Summary

• With nearly one-fifth of the world’s population today, Africa accounts for less than 3% of the world’s energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions to date and has the lowest emissions per capita of any region.
• Africa demonstrates strong leadership in renewable energy. In 2021, 55.5% of its final energy consumption came from renewable sources, outpacing Europe, North America, and Asia.
• The African continent holds 30% of the world's essential minerals for renewable technologies and 60% of the world's best solar resources.

Deep Dive!!

As the world shifts toward a more sustainable future, Africa is emerging as a key player in the global renewable energy and green innovation landscape. The continent, rich in natural resources, is leveraging its vast renewable energy potential to diversify its energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and address climate change.

As of May 2022, countries representing more than 70% of global CO2 emissions have committed to reach net zero emissions by around mid-century. This includes 12 African countries that represent over 40% of the continent’s total CO2 emissions. These ambitions are helping set a new course for the global energy sector amid declining clean technology costs and shifting global investment. African countries – nearly all of which are party to the Paris Agreement on Climate Change – are poised to capture the technology spillovers of these changes and attract increasing flows of climate finance.

However, there is still so much to be done and for Africa, affordable energy for all Africans is the immediate and absolute priority. Universal access to affordable electricity, achieved by 2030 in the SAS, requires bringing connections to 90 million people a year, triple the rate of recent years.

At present, 600 million people, or 43% of the total population, lack access to electricity, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. Countries such as Ghana, Kenya and Rwanda are on track for full access by 2030, offering success stories other countries can follow. Detailed expert analysis shows that extending national grids is the least costly and most prudent option for almost 45% of those gaining access to 2030. In rural areas, where over 80% of the electricity-deprived live, mini-grids and stand-alone systems, mostly solar-based, are the most viable solutions.
In this article, we highlight the top 10 African countries leading in renewable energy and green innovation in 2025, showcasing the projects, policies, and technological advancements driving their progress.

Here are the Top 10 African Countries Leading in Renewable Energy and Green Innovation in 2025. Check them out!

10. Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe is accelerating its renewable energy efforts, with a focus on solar, wind, and hydropower as it works to overcome energy shortages and environmental challenges.

Key Projects

• Gwanda Solar Power Plant: With a 100 MW capacity, this solar project is helping to meet Zimbabwe’s energy demands while reducing its carbon footprint.
• Kariba Hydropower Plant: The Kariba Dam remains a major source of renewable energy, and Zimbabwe is working to modernize and expand its hydropower capacity.
• Solar Irrigation Projects: The government is supporting solar-powered irrigation systems for agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices.

9. Rwanda: Rwanda is a leader in East Africa’s renewable energy transition, with an ambitious agenda focused on solar and hydroelectric power.

Key Projects

• Gisagara Solar Power Plant: A 10 MW solar power facility that contributes significantly to Rwanda’s renewable energy capacity.
• Kivu-Watt Methane Gas Project: This innovative project harnesses methane gas from Lake Kivu to generate electricity, providing a clean and renewable energy source.
• Off-Grid Solar Solutions: Rwanda is pioneering off-grid solar energy initiatives to provide electricity to rural communities.

8. Tunisia: Tunisia is making significant strides in solar and wind energy, demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development and energy independence.

Key Projects:

• Tozeur Solar Power Plant: This 10 MW solar farm is part of Tunisia’s strategy to generate 30% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.
• Wind Energy Developments: Tunisia is expanding its wind energy capacity, with several large-scale wind farms in development.
• Energy Efficiency: Tunisia has integrated energy efficiency measures into both urban and rural areas, including building codes and energy-saving programs.

7. Nigeria: Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, has been slow to shift from fossil fuels but is showing promising signs of renewable energy investment, especially in solar power and mini-grid solutions.

Key Projects:

• Nigerian Solar Power Program: Nigeria has launched several solar power initiatives, including the Solar Home System program, which aims to provide off-grid solar solutions to rural communities.
• Renewable Energy Micro-Grids: The country is developing renewable energy micro-grids to address power shortages in rural and underserved areas.
• Hydropower Projects: Nigeria is also working on enhancing its hydropower potential, with ongoing projects like the Zungeru Hydro Power Station.

6. Ghana: Ghana is a front-runner in West Africa’s green energy revolution, combining its existing hydroelectric resources with large-scale investments in solar energy and energy efficiency.

Key Projects:

• Bui Hydro Power Plant: With a capacity of 400 MW, the Bui plant is a cornerstone of Ghana’s renewable energy strategy.
• Solar Power Initiatives: Ghana has invested in numerous solar projects, including the 20 MW Nzema Solar Power Plant, which is one of the largest in the region.
• Energy Efficiency Programs: The government is promoting energy-saving technologies and green buildings to reduce energy consumption.

5. Ethiopia: Ethiopia is rapidly becoming a leader in renewable energy, particularly hydropower. The country’s abundant natural resources make it one of the most promising markets for green energy in Africa.

Key Projects:

• Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): The GERD is a 6,450 MW hydropower project, which will significantly boost Ethiopia's renewable energy generation and regional energy trade.
• Geothermal Energy: Ethiopia is expanding its geothermal potential, with projects like the Aluto Langano geothermal plant adding to the country’s clean energy output.
• Wind and Solar Projects: The country is also investing in wind and solar energy, including the Ashegoda Wind Farm, which has a capacity of 120 MW.

4. Egypt: Egypt has been expanding its renewable energy capacity through ambitious projects and investments, particularly in solar and wind energy. The country has a strategic location, abundant solar radiation, and an extensive coastline for wind power.

Key Projects:

• Benban Solar Park: This 1.65 GW solar park in Aswan is one of the largest in the world. The project is part of Egypt’s plan to generate 42% of its electricity from renewables by 2035.
• Gabal El-Zeit Wind Farm: Located on the Red Sea coast, this wind farm contributes 580 MW to the grid, with plans for further expansion to 2,000 MW.
• Green Hydrogen Development: Egypt has entered into agreements with international partners to develop a green hydrogen hub, capitalizing on its solar and wind potential for sustainable hydrogen production.

3. Kenya: Kenya is a renewable energy powerhouse in East Africa, known for its groundbreaking strides in geothermal energy. The country’s focus on clean energy has made it a leader in the region.

Key Projects:

• Olkaria Geothermal Power Plant: Kenya is home to the largest geothermal plant in Africa, with the Olkaria geothermal complex contributing over 700 MW to the national grid. This renewable energy source accounts for nearly 50% of Kenya's electricity.
• Lake Turkana Wind Power Project: This 310 MW wind farm, the largest in Africa, has transformed Kenya's energy landscape, providing a reliable source of clean electricity.
• Solar and Mini-Grid Innovations: Kenya has also made significant investments in off-grid solar and mini-grid solutions, providing energy access to rural areas.

2. South Africa: South Africa, Africa's most industrialized country, is pushing ahead with renewable energy despite its heavy reliance on coal. The country has made significant strides in wind, solar, and biomass energy development.

Key Projects:

• REIPPPP (Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme): This program has been pivotal in bringing renewable energy projects to life, with over 6,000 MW of renewable capacity added since its inception.
• Kusile and Medupi Power Plants: While primarily coal-based, these plants are also being upgraded to include a blend of renewable technologies. South Africa is also investing in offshore wind farms along its coastline.
• Green Hydrogen Hub: South Africa is emerging as a leader in green hydrogen production, with projects underway in the Northern Cape to utilize solar and wind energy to produce green hydrogen for domestic use and export.

1. Morocco: Morocco has established itself as Africa's leader in renewable energy due to its bold commitment to sustainability and climate action. The country’s strategic positioning, with abundant solar and wind resources, has allowed it to become a global leader in renewable energy innovation.

Key Projects:

• Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex: One of the largest concentrated solar power (CSP) plants in the world, Noor Ouarzazate, is pivotal in Morocco's energy transition. This facility has a capacity of 580 MW and has significantly boosted Morocco's solar power production.
• Wind Energy Projects: Morocco is developing several wind farms, including the 850 MW Tarfaya wind farm, which is one of the largest in Africa. The country aims to generate 52% of its energy from renewables by 2030.
• Green Hydrogen Initiatives: Morocco is focusing on green hydrogen as part of its energy strategy, with several green hydrogen projects under development to export clean energy to Europe.