Africa's solar energy capacity has experienced significant growth over the past decade. As of 2023, the continent's capacity reached approximately 13.5 gigawatts, marking an eight percent increase from the previous year. This expansion reflects a more than sixteen-fold increase since 2011, when capacity was just 331 megawatts.
Despite this progress, approximately 600 million Africans still lack access to electricity, underscoring the critical need for continued investment and innovation in renewable energy solutions. The Intersolar Summit Africa aims to address these challenges by fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among stakeholders.
Also see: Growing skills gap in a booming solar job market
“This summit represents a milestone for Africa’s renewable energy journey,” said Florian Wessendorf, Managing Director of Solar Promotion International GmbH. “It’s an opportunity to harness the collective expertise of global leaders and stakeholders to unlock the continent’s immense potential.”
Also see: New report shows potential for photovoltaics in Africa
The summit’s comprehensive agenda spans two days and is designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities of Africa’s renewable energy market.
Day 1: Regional market insights & deep dives
On the opening day, participants will engage in regional market sessions focusing on East, South, and West Africa. These sessions will provide detailed insights into:
Market trends: Current and projected growth opportunities in renewable energy.
Policy frameworks: Understanding regulatory landscapes and policy initiatives.
Investment models: Exploring financing mechanisms for renewable energy projects.
Interactive deep dives will examine the integration of solar PV in agriculture (Agri-PV), water treatment, and off-grid solutions, highlighting innovative applications of solar energy tailored to African needs.
Day 2: Parallel sessions & focused tracks
Day two offers three parallel tracks tailored to key areas of interest:
Photovoltaics (PV): Latest advancements in PV technology, deployment strategies, and system integration.
Energy Storage & E-Mobility: Cutting-edge storage solutions, electric vehicle infrastructure, and their role in stabilizing grids and decarbonizing transport.
Finance & investment: Insights into innovative financing models, public-private partnerships, and securing funding for large-scale renewable energy projects.
Dedicated matchmaking sessions: Connecting Key Players
A highlight of the summit is the GET.invest Matchmaking Sessions, a service provided by GET.invest to mobilize investments in renewable energy projects and businesses.
What to expect: Participants can engage in 20-minute bilateral meetings with potential business partners, investors, and policymakers. These personalized meetings are designed to foster collaborations and accelerate project development.
When: The matchmaking sessions will run throughout the summit on March 12–13, 2025, during designated agenda slots.
Evening networking & dinner party: The first day will conclude with an exclusive Dinner Party for all participants, offering a relaxed atmosphere to network and celebrate the achievements of the day.
Attendee profile: The summit is expected to attract a diverse audience, including Installers and system integrators, distributors, project developers/EPC contractors, architects, manufacturers and suppliers, investors and analysts, utilities and government officials and policymakers.
Also see: IEA calls for more investment in grids and energy storage
Support of leading organizations
The Intersolar Summit Africa 2025 is enriched by the invaluable support of leading international and national organizations, including SolarPower Europe, the German Solar Association (BSW), the African Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), the Kenya Renewable Energy Association (KEREA), the Uganda Solar Energy Association (USEA), the Tanzania Renewable Energy Association (TAREA), ESAK (Electricity Sector Association of Kenya), the Energy Private Developers (EPD) from Rwanda, as well as GIZ, UNIDO, and the Global Solar Council. These partners contribute their expertise, networks, and resources to create a high-quality and forward-looking program that reflects the latest trends and developments in the solar and energy storage sectors.
Sponsors of the 1st Intersolar Summit Africa
Diamond Sponsor: Deye Inverter
Platinum Sponsors: Canadian Solar South Africa Pty. Ltd., Eve Energy, HiTHIUM Industrial Park
Gold Sponsors: Antai Technology Cp. Ltd, Huawei, JA Solar GmbH, Sungrow Southern Africa Pty Ltd
Silver Sponsors: Cegasa Energia S.L.U., Chint PV Star, ComAp a.s, Evershine, Gotion High Tech, Ningbo OSDA Solar Co., Ltd
Bronze Sponsor: Weco Batteries
Badge Sponsor: SolaX Power
Dinner Sponsor: TBEA Sunoasis Co. Ltd
Sustainable Bag Sponsor: GameChange Solar.
The Intersolar Summit Africa 2025 takes place at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands in Nairobi/Kenya. (hcn)
