Africa’s energy goals are closely tied to advancements in battery storage technology – not only in the generation of electricity but also in its efficient storage and distribution. Considerable progress in the past two years show a continent-wide commitment to expanding battery storage capacity.

Achieving water security requires more than waiting for rains as it also relies on the storage of the rainwater until it is needed. Africa’s energy security likewise needs to increase its electricity generation and its storage capacity. Traditional grid-based energy distribution will not achieve universal electricity access for all Africans. Over the past 20 years, electricity access in Africa has nearly doubled from 25% to 47%. This is despite the inability to extend long-distance power lines to remote rural areas due to it being financially impractical, leaving 600-million people without electricity in 2025, while 150-million more face unreliable supply. Off-grid energy solutions, powered by battery storage technology, present the most viable path to universal access.

The adoption of renewable energy storage systems is a primary driver for the rise in expanding electricity access across Africa over the past two decades. There is still much to be considered and overcome for solar and other forms of renewable energy generation to achieve universal energy access. While hydropower dam facilities can generate electricity day and night, solar and wind power require stationary battery storage systems to compensate for intermittency. Wind farms in particular face times when no wind means that the turbines do not spin, which generates no power, making it more inconsistent than solar power.

Due to the growing affordability and accessibility of batteries, the twin challenges of electricity access and supply are being met. Urban homes, businesses and public facilities – such as hospitals and schools – increasingly supplement their power needs through battery storage systems powered by roof-top solar panels and even windmills. These energy sources not only offer a clean alternative to fossil fuels, which is a valuable asset in the era of climate change, but is also reliable. When the power goes off because of a fault in the electrical grid, those prepared with battery systems maintain their power while those who do not have are left without. Declining costs of batteries is driving the proliferation of stationary battery storage systems that integrate into a community of power suppliers, creating mini grids. Africa records an average of twelve hours of daylight per day while some countries have more, so solar energy is proving to be an invaluable asset.

Market demand is driving battery solutions

In 2017, Africa’s combined battery storage capacity was only 31 MWh, which grew to 157 MWh in 2023. That year saw such upward growth that, by 2024, Africa had a storage capacity of 1,600 MWh. Based on the past decade alone, Africa’s battery storage capacity is projected to grow by 22% annually until 2030. By that time, according to the World Economic Forum, the growing demand for battery storage will reach 83 GWh.

Mini grids remain the largest consumers of battery storage, accounting for 40% of the market. However, as stationary battery capacity increases, larger buildings and industrial facilities will also integrate such systems, further accelerating demand. African consumers seeking home power storage solutions are also gaining traction, with battery systems capable of powering essential household appliances, from lights to TVs and refrigerators, during grid outages.

Battery manufacturers are responding by actively scaling production. A 2024 survey by the African Solar Industry Association found that energy storage initiatives and projects across Africa have the combined capacity of 18 GWh. As battery technology advances, existing solar plants and other renewable energy projects will likely integrate next-generation batteries. In 2025, South Africa leads the continent in terms of battery storage capacity as it sees the second year of its Battery Energy Storage Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme, which measures 2 052 MWh of new storage capacity.

Africa’s rare earth elements are valuable assets in battery technology

Africa’s ground possesses some of the rarest minerals that are integral to the growth of battery storage capacity. Lithium is one of the most uncommon rare earth elements that are critical for batteries to surpass current-day lead-acid or other kinds of batteries. Lithium-ion batteries, used in smart phones and other high-tech devices, as well as stationary battery storage systems, outperform other batteries by lasting longer, charging more quickly (an important advantage for electric vehicles) and discharging at slower rates. A single lithium battery can store the equivalent power of four lead-acid batteries.

As research confirmed that lithium-ion batteries can last up to 15 years, the intensity of investment in their production by manufacturers matched consumer demand for the best in energy technology. The global demand for Africa’s lithium surged as well. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Zimbabwe have recognised the value of this rare earth element, leveraging the growing demand to attract foreign and domestic investment into local battery storage industries. Establishing domestic battery manufacturing sectors in such countries will be essential for Africa to meet its future energy storage needs, especially as the number of electric vehicles increases across the continent.

Declining costs and expanding local production

The high cost of energy storage systems has long been a barrier to widespread adoption in Africa. However, 2024 marked a turning point, with technological advancements and increased production leading to a 20% drop in lithium battery costs compared to 2023, the largest price decline since 2017. Economies of scale are now driving prices: The more batteries that are made, the cheaper they become for consumers.

Megamillion Energy Group, a South African-based lithium-ion battery value-chain organisation, is building Africa’s first large-scale manufacturer of lithium-ion cells and battery packs, aiming to boost battery storage solutions so that solar energy production will be more affordable for all. An annual production of 38 GWh is anticipated by 2028. Additionally, PAM Africa has announced plans to establish lithium battery production facilities in Nigeria.

South African lead-acid battery manufacturers like AutoX, Eveready, and Potensa face an urgent need to transition to lithium-based batteries or risk obsolescence. Botswana, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia and Tanzania all have invited lithium battery manufacturers such as these to establish their facilities in their countries. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Mogobe BESS and Oasis Mookodi utility-scale battery projects are set to begin operations in 2025 and will add a combined 130 MWh of storage capacity. Further across the continent, Eritrea, Senegal, South Sudan and Togo have also launched their first energy storage projects.

African countries have established policies that directly impact the battery manufacturing value chain. These countries can be placed into two categories; Policies to secure local demand and Policies to encourage value chain investments. These policies have encouraged investments into different steps of the local manufacturing value chain.
Data sources: Ayrton Fund, Faraday Institution, Manufacturing Africa, UK Aid, 2024

The critical points:

• Off-grid solutions, powered by battery storage, will allow universal electricity access for Africa’s far-flung energy users
• Africa’s battery storage capacity has grown significantly since 2023, driving down costs and improving feasibility
• With a projected growth of 22% per year, Africa’s stored power capacity will reach 83 GWh by 2030

Written by In On Africa