JOHANNESBURG, Jan 12, 2026 – South Africa continues to lead Africa’s transition to renewable energy, offering expanding investment opportunities across wind, solar, biofuels and green hydrogen, according to the latest Powering Africa’s Future Energy report by Forvis Mazars.

The report shows that South Africa generated more than 50 terawatt-hours (TWh) of renewable electricity in 2024, the highest on the continent. This included 10.1 TWh from hydroelectric power, 8 TWh from solar, 9 TWh from wind, and 27.1 TWh from other renewable sources, cementing the country’s position as Africa’s top renewable-energy producer.

“South Africa boasts exceptional renewable-energy resources, particularly solar and wind, and recent policy progress further supports its energy-transition ambitions,” said Forvis Mazars director Johan Marais.

A key driver of this leadership has been the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPPP), which the report describes as a regulatory blueprint that has influenced renewable-energy policies across Africa. Continent-wide, solar capacity grew by 25% in 2024, with Southern Africa leading growth and South Africa remaining the regional anchor.

Beyond wind and solar, the country is accelerating development in green hydrogen and biofuels, supported by favourable policies and international partnerships. South Africa is seen as well-positioned to become a major green-hydrogen exporter, leveraging its renewable resources and rising demand from Europe.

The report also highlights investments in carbon capture technologies, smart grids and solar mini-grids, alongside pilot projects currently under way. South Africa’s role as a major supplier of critical minerals—including platinum group metals, cobalt and titanium—further strengthens its strategic importance in the global energy transition.

On the policy front, the Integrated Resource Plan 2019 and Energy Action Plan 2022 aim to reduce reliance on coal, expand renewable generation and improve transmission infrastructure, while opening space for private power producers. In parallel, new legislation such as the Upstream Petroleum Resources Development Act, signed in 2024, seeks to create a more investor-friendly framework for oil and gas, integrating local participation into the sector.

Looking ahead, the report concludes that sustained renewable-energy investment, alongside evolving hydrocarbon regulations, will help South Africa diversify its energy mix, strengthen long-term energy security and attract capital.

“With a population of over 63 million and a GDP of about $400 billion, South Africa remains an economic heavyweight on the continent, presenting significant opportunities for energy-sector investment,” Marais said.

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