Intersolar Africa 2026 to spotlight Kenya’s fast-growing solar market

Organisers say high electricity costs and frequent power outages are accelerating the uptake of commercial and industrial solar systems as well as energy storage solutions across the country.

With captive power generation now accounting for about 20 per cent of Kenya’s electricity supply, the conference is expected to bring together developers, investors and policymakers to discuss financing gaps and the scaling up of solar adoption.

The meeting comes as East Africa positions itself as one of the continent’s fastest-growing clean energy markets, driven by rising power demand and falling solar technology costs.

Speaking during a media briefing in Nairobi, Georg Pflomm, Project Manager for Energy at AHK Eastern Africa, said energy storage would be critical in stabilising power supply, reducing reliance on diesel generation and addressing persistent outages.

Although Africa has around 60 per cent of the world’s strongest solar resources, the continent attracts only about five per cent of global energy investment, limiting the pace of deployment.

Organisers said strong growth is expected in the coming years, with battery manufacturing and grid-scale storage emerging as key opportunities as countries seek to increase renewable energy penetration and improve reliability.

Intersolar Africa 2026 is expected to host about 100 exhibitors and a high-level conference programme covering solar photovoltaics, energy storage, grid management, charging infrastructure, finance and policy.