African Energy Markets Showcase Scalable Renewables At Paris Forum

African power markets are presenting a more disciplined, investment-ready pipeline of renewable projects ahead of the Invest in African Energy Forum in Paris on 22–23 April. Countries including Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Djibouti, Zambia and Guinea are advancing opportunities across solar, wind, geothermal and hydropower, signalling a shift towards integrated systems and bankable assets.

Senegal Scales Hybrid Capacity

Senegal remains one of West Africa’s more structured renewable markets, targeting 40% renewable generation by 2030 under its Just Energy Transition Partnership. The NEA Kolda project, developed by Axian Energy, Voltalia and Entech, combines 60 MWp of solar with 72 MWh of storage, reflecting a pivot towards dispatchable renewables and improved grid stability. Longer term, an estimated 45 GW offshore wind resource positions the country for future utility-scale expansion.

DRC Builds Distributed Momentum

The DRC continues to address one of Africa’s largest electricity access gaps through decentralised solutions. The $340 million Moyi Power Metro-Grids programme is deploying solar systems across secondary cities, while the Mwinda Fund is mobilising $500 million for solar home systems, mini-grids and clean cooking. At scale, the proposed 4,000 MW Energy for Prosperity initiative signals long-term ambitions to integrate solar, hydro and storage into the national supply.

Djibouti Targets Geothermal Growth

With renewables already accounting for roughly 80% of supply, Djibouti is expanding domestic generation. The 25 MW Grand Bara solar-plus-storage project is nearing completion, alongside plans for a 100 MW solar facility at Doraleh Port. Geothermal development at Lake Assal represents the next frontier, with early-stage capacity estimated at 20–50 MW.

Zambia Fast-Tracks Solar Shift

Drought-induced hydropower shortfalls have accelerated Zambia’s solar deployment. Fast-tracked approvals and the GETFiT programme—delivering over 300 MW—are supporting rapid scale-up. Projects such as Chirundu (100 MW) and Goldenray (118 MW) are strengthening the utility-scale pipeline, backed by improved financing structures and offtake frameworks.

Guinea Anchors Regional Hydro

Guinea is positioning itself as a regional hydropower hub through the 294 MW Koukoutamba նախագ, with cross-border offtake potential. Parallel plans for 500 MW of solar, supported by multilateral partners, and investment in transmission links are reinforcing its role in regional power integration.

Across these markets, the emphasis is shifting from early-stage opportunity to execution, with hybrid systems, regional interconnection and structured financing driving investor interest.