Morocco’s solar power tops 1 gigawatt for the first time as renewable push gains pace

Morocco has crossed a major renewable energy milestone, with its solar power capacity exceeding 1 gigawatt for the first time, according to the Washington-based Energy Research Unit.

Data shows that Morocco’s installed solar capacity climbed from 0.951 gigawatts in 2024 to 1.09 gigawatts by the end of 2025. The increase of nearly 140 megawatts represents annual growth of about 15%, placing the country third among Africa’s largest solar power producers.

The achievement comes as Morocco continues to invest heavily in renewable energy projects in a bid to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security. The country has long positioned itself as one of Africa’s leaders in clean energy, with major solar and wind projects forming a key part of its national energy strategy.

Across Africa, solar power is expanding at a rapid pace. The data found that total solar capacity in the continent’s top 10 producing countries rose by 22% in 2025, reaching 18.93 gigawatts compared with 15.46 gigawatts a year earlier.

Africa’s overall cumulative solar capacity also saw strong growth, increasing from 18.37 gigawatts in 2024 to 22.18 gigawatts by the end of 2025. 

Researchers said the record increase was  driven by strong growth in South Africa and the increasingly important contribution of Arab countries, including Morocco and Egypt.

While Morocco celebrated its first entry into the gigawatt club, South Africa remained the continent’s dominant solar market. The country added roughly 2.2 gigawatts in a single year, pushing its total capacity from 9.06 gigawatts to 11.26 gigawatts and keeping a comfortable lead at the top of the rankings.

Egypt secured second place after expanding its solar capacity by 720 megawatts to reach 3.27 gigawatts, marking annual growth of 28%.

Morocco’s third-place ranking puts it ahead of Tunisia, which increased its capacity to 0.895 gigawatts, and Kenya, which maintained its installed capacity at 0.551 gigawatts.