Georg Pflomm, Manager Energy at AHK Eastern Africa
East Africa’s growing significance in the global solar power and energy storage market took centre stage as organizers of Intersolar Africa 2026 briefed the media in Nairobi ahead of the landmark exhibition and conference scheduled for February 3–4, 2026, at the Sarit Expo Centre.
Speaking during a media breakfast on Tuesday, Georg Pflomm, Project Manager Energy at AHK Eastern Africa, said the region is rapidly emerging as one of Africa’s most dynamic clean energy markets, driven by increasing electricity demand, declining solar technology costs, and the urgent need for reliable and sustainable power solutions.
“Intersolar Africa builds on more than 30 years of global experience connecting the solar and energy storage industry,” Pflomm said. “With East Africa’s rapid market growth, Nairobi provides an ideal platform to bring together technology providers, developers, investors, and policymakers to accelerate the region’s energy transition.”
Founded in Germany in 1991, Intersolar has evolved into the world’s leading exhibition series for solar photovoltaics and energy storage. Globally, the platform attracts more than 200,000 visitors and nearly 5,000 exhibitors.
Africa hosted its first Intersolar event in 2025 as a conference-only summit, which drew strong participation from across the continent and underscored the demand for a larger, exhibition-led platform in East Africa.
Building on that momentum, Intersolar Africa 2026 will feature approximately 100 exhibitors alongside a high-level conference bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, financiers, and technology experts.
Discussions will focus on key areas including solar PV deployment, energy storage, grid management, charging infrastructure, financing models, and policy frameworks shaping Africa’s energy transition.
Organizers noted that despite Africa possessing about 60 per cent of the world’s best solar resources, solar power still contributes only a small share of the continent’s electricity generation. However, rapid growth in East Africa, particularly in commercial and industrial solar installations, mini-grids, and energy storage investments—is positioning the region as a major driver of Africa’s clean energy future.
Energy storage was highlighted as a critical enabler for higher renewable energy penetration, helping stabilize power grids, reduce dependence on diesel generation, and address persistent power shortages affecting countries such as Kenya.
“Intersolar Africa is not just about technology,” Pflomm added. “It is about partnerships, market-ready solutions, and creating the conditions for reliable, affordable, and sustainable power across the region.”
The Intersolar Africa 2026 Exhibition and Conference is expected to serve as a key meeting point for stakeholders shaping East Africa’s clean energy landscape, reinforcing the region’s growing role in the global solar and energy storage market.