Nigeria generates an average of 70 megawatts (MW) of solar energy, making it the 16th highest solar energy-generating country in Africa, FIJ has learned.

With one megawatt capable of powering about 800 homes for 24 hours, the country’s solar energy capability can power 56,000 homes over the same period, according to data published by Ember, an international energy think tank.

The data collected between 2021 and 2022 show Nigeria generates 40 MW less than Ghana in 11th place, 1,654 MW less than second-placed Egypt and 6,256MW less than South Africa, which leads the continent.

Several African countries have opted for solar energy in recent years due to unreliable grid power supplies. In 2023, the national grid collapsed 12 times in Nigeria.

With 54 African countries captured in the report, average solar energy capacity stands at 217 MW, but over 80 percent of the countries do not generate up to 200 MW.

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Only 38 African countries generate solar power, and 16 do not.

According to the available data, West Africa generates the least solar energy, followed by East Africa. Southern Africa tops the list, and North Africa comes second.