International Renewable Energy Agency Reports Record Growth in Africa's Renewable Energy Capacity
The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has reported a significant increase in Africa's renewable energy capacity, with a record addition of 11.3 gigawatts in 2025. This growth, which is three times the capacity added in the previous year, is largely attributed to efforts in South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The continent's shift towards renewable energy is driven by the decreasing costs of solar and wind technologies, which have become the most affordable sources of new electricity generation in many African markets. Policy changes, such as Ethiopia's ban on internal combustion engine vehicle imports and South Africa's relaxation of private power generation limits, have further accelerated this transition. Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including financial difficulties faced by many African utilities and higher financing costs for renewable projects compared to advanced economies. 
