Kenya is set to host the first-ever Intersolar Summit Africa next week, bringing together over 250 participants and more than 50 expert speakers to discuss the rapid growth of the solar and energy storage industry across the continent.
Dr. Florian Wessendorf, Managing Director of Solar Promotion International GmbH, highlighted Africa’s potential as one of the world’s most promising solar energy markets.
In a press release ahead of the summit, he emphasized that key industry leaders, policymakers and innovators will convene to drive discussions on decentralized energy solutions for industry, agriculture, and rural electrification.
He noted that the Intersolar Summit Africa provides an opportunity to promote innovation, strengthen partnerships, and actively shape the energy transition.
Intersolar, the world’s leading exhibition series for the solar industry, organizes major trade fairs and summits worldwide.
For the first time, it is bringing its expertise to Africa, with a focus on market trends, innovative financing models, and advancements in energy storage solutions.
Kenya stands out as a pioneer in Africa’s energy transition, with 90 per cent of its electricity generation already sourced from renewables, including hydropower, geothermal and wind energy.
However, reliable electricity access remains a challenge, particularly in rural areas.
Globally, the demand for solar energy continues to grow, with East Africa’s commercial and industrial solar sector experiencing an annual growth rate of over 15 per cent.
Businesses are increasingly investing in photovoltaic solar panel systems with storage to cut energy costs and improve supply security.
In the agricultural sector, solar-powered irrigation, cold storage and water treatment solutions are helping to secure food production and enhance climate resilience.
Decentralized solar and storage systems provide clean, sustainable energy to households, businesses and industries.
The two-day summit will cover critical topics shaping Africa’s solar landscape.
On the first day, participants will gain insights into African solar market trends, policy frameworks, and business models across East, West and Southern Africa.
The second day will feature three thematic sessions running concurrently, focusing on the solar industry, energy storage and electromobility and financing and guarantees for solar projects.
Participants will explore practical solutions for sustainable agriculture, including agri-PV models, solar-based irrigation, cold storage, drying technologies and solar water treatment systems.
Experts will also present innovative financing models that enable businesses to invest in solar and storage solutions for self-consumption.
Beyond discussions, the Intersolar Summit Africa 2025 will offer strategic networking opportunities, including matchmaking sessions connecting companies, investors and policymakers to explore concrete business and investment prospects.
The Kenyan government has actively promoted solar adoption through policies such as removing import duties and VAT on solar equipment, offering subsidies for solar panels and launching rural electrification programs in schools and health facilities.
These initiatives align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at maximizing the country’s high solar potential and accelerating its transition to renewable energy.
With Kenya leading the charge, the Intersolar Summit Africa 2025 is expected to be a game-changer for the continent’s clean energy future.
By KBC Digital
