Pflomm: Solar take-off in East Africa but tariffs to high for many

Solar installation costs remain high in many parts of Africa, despite the global price of solar dropping significantly in recent years, with high upfront capital requirements, import duties, high-interest rates, and logistics costs, choking the sector’s take – off on the continent, according to Georg Pflomm, the Project Manager – Energy at AHK Eastern Africa, who argued that East Africa could hasten its regional dexterity as one of the most foreword-thinking markets in clean energy in Africa, if those issues are fast addressed.

Kenya is ranked behind only South Africa and Egypt in solar energy, with the two dominating new installations as of last year, largely due to strong policies and large projects in those markets, while countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Angola, as well as Namibia, are rapidly growing their solar capacity.

These are some of the issues Pflomn says the Intersolar Africa 2026 Exhibition and Conference, slated for February in Nairobi, will seek to unlock, with organisers underscoring the region’s growing importance at a forum expected to bring together key players in the solar power, energy storage, and clean energy solutions sectors from across the region.

“Intersolar Africa builds on more than 30 years of global experience connecting the solar and energy storage industry,” Pflomm said. “With East Africa’s rapid market growth, Nairobi provides an ideal platform to bring together technology providers, developers, investors, and policymakers to accelerate the region’s energy transition.”

Noting that Energy storage was a critical enabler for higher shares of renewable energy, supporting grid stability, reducing reliance on diesel generation, and helping address power shortages currently affecting countries such as Kenya.

Africa holds around 60% of the world’s best solar resources, but solar currently accounts for only a small share of electricity generation. Rapid growth in East Africa, rising commercial and industrial solar installations, and increasing investment in mini-grids and energy storage are positioning the region as a key driver of Africa’s clean energy future.

Although costs are generally decreasing and adoption is increasing—with solar panel imports to Africa rising by 60% in the 12 months to June 2025—the total system cost often remains a barrier for many, especially when considering battery storage.