Solar Energy: Morocco Holds Over 20% of Installed Capacity in Africa

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With nearly 2.5 GW of installed solar capacity by 2026, Morocco confirms its status as one of the main hubs for solar energy in Africa. According to the report The take-off in African solar that official statistics can’t yet see, conducted by Ember and African Tech Future Lab, the Kingdom alone represents more than one-fifth of the solar capacities recorded on the continent.

This position is based on several years of investments in renewable energies and the development of large-scale projects, which have gradually placed Morocco among the leading references in Africa for energy transition.

A Solar Strategy Driven by Major Projects

The Noor Ouarzazate complex is one of the most emblematic projects of this trajectory. Combining concentrating solar power technologies and photovoltaic systems, it has helped enhance the international visibility of the Kingdom in the clean energy sector.

The development of Noor Midelt continues this strategy. Through these infrastructures, Morocco seeks to increase the share of renewable energies in its electricity system while developing industrial and technological expertise that could strengthen its regional positioning.

However, the national strategy is not limited to production for the domestic market. It also aims at energy integration with European markets.

Moroccan Solar Energy Focused on Europe

Thanks to its electrical interconnections with Spain, Morocco already has the infrastructure to exchange electricity with the European continent. The existing capacities, which amount to 1.4 GW, are expected to be reinforced as part of future developments.

The Xlinks project, envisioned with the United Kingdom, also illustrates this ambition to export electricity produced from renewable sources. With a planned capacity of 3.6 GW, this project could become one of the major axes of Morocco's strategy for international energy connectivity.

This opening towards external markets gives the Kingdom's energy policy an economic and geopolitical dimension, beyond the sole objective of reducing dependence on fossil fuels.

An African Solar Revolution Still Hard to Measure

The report from Ember and African Tech Future Lab also highlights an acceleration in solar development across the continent. Africa is projected to reach nearly 17 GW of installed solar capacity by 2026, representing an estimated growth of 45% compared to the previous year.

However, a significant portion of this growth remains insufficiently visible in traditional statistics. About 75% of new installations are expected to come from distributed solar, particularly equipment installed in homes, businesses, and industrial sites.

To better assess this dynamic, the study relies on data related to Chinese solar panel exports and customs statistics. This method allows for identifying an increase in installations that does not always immediately reflect in official data.

Morocco Among Africa's Leaders

In this rapidly evolving landscape, Morocco stands alongside South Africa and Egypt as one of the African countries with the largest solar capacities.

The uniqueness of the Moroccan model lies in the combination of large production projects and the gradual development of other forms of solar installations. This approach is particularly supported by the role of MASEN and the multiplication of partnerships with international players.

Beyond electricity, the Kingdom is also looking to develop a new sector around green hydrogen and its derivatives, notably ammonia. Announced investments in this area exceed $32.5 billion, reflecting the gradual broadening of the national energy strategy.

With over 20% of installed solar capacities in Africa, Morocco is thus consolidating its position in the continent's energy transition. The challenge now is to transform this lead into a sustainable lever for competitiveness, industrialization, and energy cooperation with Africa and Europe.