Africa Dominates Global Off-Grid Solar Market as Nigeria Fuels Growth

Africa strengthened its position as the world’s leading off-grid solar market in 2025, accounting for more than 90% of global sales as demand for decentralised energy solutions continued to grow across the continent.

According to the 2025 Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report from the Global Off-Grid Lighting Association (GOGLA), sub-Saharan Africa recorded sales of 9.26 million off-grid solar products last year, representing 90.7% of the 10.2 million units sold worldwide. Sales increased by 15% compared with 2024 and were 29% higher than in 2023.
The figures highlight the growing importance of off-grid solar in addressing energy access challenges across Africa, where nearly 600 million people still lack electricity.

East Africa remained the industry’s largest market, with sales reaching a record 7.43 million units, up 13% year-on-year. Growth was driven by strong demand for solar home systems, which rose 51%, while multiple-lighting systems increased by 32%. The shift away from basic solar lanterns suggests consumers are increasingly adopting larger and more capable energy solutions.

A major driver of market expansion was the continued growth of pay-as-you-go (PAYGo) financing. In East Africa, PAYGo sales rose 45%, while cash purchases declined by 10%. Globally, PAYGo sales climbed 48% to 5.11 million units, matching cash sales for the first time.

The financing model, which allows customers to pay in instalments rather than upfront, is becoming a key tool for expanding access to clean energy, particularly in low-income and underserved communities.
West Africa delivered one of the strongest recoveries in the sector, with sales increasing 26% to 1.45 million units. Nigeria led the rebound, recording a 33% rise in off-grid solar sales, supported by the World Bank-backed Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme.

Despite inflation, currency depreciation and foreign exchange constraints, PAYGo sales in West Africa surged by 55%, highlighting the resilience of flexible financing models.

Central Africa recorded more modest growth, with sales increasing 9% to around 310,000 units. Lower-cost solar lanterns remained the dominant product category, reflecting affordability challenges in several markets.
While the sector achieved record sales, industry stakeholders note that deployment levels remain below what is required to achieve universal electricity access. With initiatives such as Mission 300 targeting electricity access for 300 million Africans by 2030, greater investment and supportive policies will be essential.

For investors and policymakers, the latest figures confirm that off-grid solar has become a critical pillar of Africa’s energy transition and one of the continent’s fastest-growing clean energy markets.