The Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) market is currently the fastest growing segment of global battery demand, with y-o-y growth of 53% in 2024, according to Rho Motion’s BESS database. This expansion has been partly fuelled by falling cell costs along with flexibility demand, which together have enabled BESS to gain a foothold in emerging battery markets.

In Africa, the number of operational and planned energy storage projects has increased in recent years, driven by the growing affordability of renewable energy across the continent and the continued decline in battery prices.

What is currently operational?

South Africa has the largest operational capacity of grid scale projects in Africa, accounting for over 86% of the total operational projects the region. The largest of these projects is the Northern Cape Province, Kenhardt solar and storage project with a 1.14GWh capacity. This is far larger than the other operational projects that have a relatively small average capacity of ~20MWh. Outside South Africa, operational projects are dotted around the continent, from Mozambique to Cote d’Ivoire.  

What does the future hold?

The BESS capacity pipeline for the continent is strong, with South Africa playing a key role in driving the industry forward, as it works to tackle load shedding and grid instability. Beyond South Africa, Morocco and Egypt hold the next largest grid-scale capacity pipelines. Meanwhile, new large-scale projects are being announced further afield, laying the foundations for an expanding African energy storage sector.

While grid-scale storage is an important segment of the BESS industry, behind the meter (BTM) will also play a role across the continent. Driven by persistent grid instability, the absence of grid connections in many areas, and the continued decline in cell and renewable energy costs, some area’s energy needs will be met by microgrids with the use of smaller batteries.

More information

Africa is increasingly in the spotlight when looking at the global battery supply chain. In September 2025 Benchmark is hosting Giga Africa in Marrakech, Morocco. To explore unmatched analysis, market insight, and networking opportunities click here.