The African School of Regulation (ASR), in collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA), is hosting a three-day, open, online, high-level conference to discuss how regulation can enable and promote the deployment and integration of solar electricity generation in African countries’ power sectors at scale and with sustainable models. The conference will consider utility-scale power plants, distributed grid-connected solar resources, and off-grid solutions, with a focus on the former. 

Context  

Africa possesses some of the richest solar resources in the world.¹ Yet, despite this potential, as of 2023 the continent’s installed utility-scale solar PV capacity stood at approximately 15 GW—less than 2% of the global total of over 1 TW.² By comparison, the European Union alone had over 260 GW³, and China more than 500 GW⁴. 

Africa’s electricity demand is expected to more than double by 2040, driven by population growth—from 1.4 billion today to 2.5 billion in 2050—and economic development. More than 600 million people in Africa lack any access to electricity today. Solar PV represents a critical opportunity to deliver affordable, clean, and scalable power to meet the associated demand. Falling technology costs—utility-scale PV levelized cost of electricity has dropped by 89% since 2010 globally —make it competitive with fossil fuel generation in many African countries. 

However, achieving full electrification, adequate economic development, and a decarbonised economy by 2050 will require hundreds of billions of dollars in new investments, as well as operation and maintenance costs for solar PV generation. These investments must be supported by predictable regulatory frameworks that inspire confidence among developers, financiers, and utilities. A sound regulatory framework for solar generation is essential at all levels.