Africa Implored  To  Speed Up Energy Transition As Renewables Set New Record

Global renewable energy capacity rose sharply in 2025, reaching a record 5,149 gigawatts (GW) following the addition of 692 GW, the latest report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said.

The Renewable Capacity Statistics 2026 report shows that renewables accounted for 85.6 per cent of total capacity expansion, reinforcing their growing dominance over fossil fuels.

The figures come during heightened geopolitical uncertainty, particularly tensions in the Middle East, which continue to expose the fragility of fossil fuel-dependent energy systems.

IRENA argues that renewable energy, being locally sourced, cost-effective and rapidly deployable, offers countries a pathway to greater energy security and resilience.

Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Francesco La Camera noted that amid uncertain times, renewable energy remains consistent and steadfast in its expansion.

He stated that countries investing in clean energy are better shielded from global shocks, benefiting from improved competitiveness and reduced exposure to volatile fuel markets.

Solar energy led the global expansion, contributing 511 GW, around 75 per cent of all renewable additions, driven largely by solar photovoltaics. Wind energy followed with 159 GW, meaning the two technologies together accounted for nearly 97 per cent of new renewable capacity in 2025. Other sources, such as bioenergy, hydropower and geothermal energy, recorded comparatively modest growth.

Despite the global progress, the report highlights regional disparities. Asia dominated the renewable energy landscape, contributing 74.2 per cent of new capacity, with China alone responsible for a significant share of solar and wind additions. Europe maintained its position as the second-largest region, while Central America and the Caribbean lagged.

For Africa, the report shows that the continent recorded its highest-ever annual growth in renewable capacity, rising by 15.9 per cent with an additional 11.3 GW.

This growth was largely driven by countries such as Ethiopia, South Africa and Egypt.

However, Africa’s overall share of global renewable capacity remains marginal, underscoring persistent structural challenges including limited financing, weak infrastructure and policy inconsistencies.

While Nigeria had planned to ban solar imports, the report reinforces long-standing concerns about the country’s slow pace of energy transition despite its vast renewable potential. Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, continues to rely heavily on gas-fired power generation while struggling with chronic electricity shortages, which have forced stakeholders to argue that scaling solar and off-grid solutions could significantly improve energy access, particularly in rural communities.

The report also notes growth in off-grid renewable electricity, critical for underserved regions, adding 1.7 GW globally, mostly from solar. This is particularly relevant for sub-Saharan Africa, where millions still lack access to reliable power.