Eswatini, Namibia open rooftop solar application portals

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Financial Intelligence • Markets • World News • Independent Analysis
Published: 2026-09-02 • Permanent link

Globally, the rooftop solar market is experiencing a significant boost with the opening of digital platforms by Eswatini and Namibia. The two African nations have launched online portals for embedded generation applications, allowing individuals and businesses to apply for rooftop solar installations. Eswatini's platform accepts applications up to 2 megawatts, while Namibia's accepts up to 500 kilowatts. This move is expected to increase the adoption of renewable energy in the region, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change.

Investors are taking notice of this development, with many seeing it as a lucrative opportunity to tap into the growing rooftop solar market. According to a report by BloombergNEF, the global rooftop solar market is expected to reach 22 gigawatts by 2025, with Africa being a key region for growth. As the demand for clean energy continues to rise, investors are looking to Eswatini and Namibia as potential hubs for rooftop solar development.

Rooftop solar has been gaining traction globally since the early 2000s, with countries like Germany and Australia leading the charge. However, Africa has been slower to adopt the technology, mainly due to limited access to financing and infrastructure. Eswatini and Namibia's move to open digital platforms is seen as a step in the right direction, providing much-needed support for the development of the rooftop solar industry in the region.

As the rooftop solar market continues to grow, there are several risks and opportunities to watch. One major risk is the high upfront cost of rooftop solar installations, which can be a barrier for many businesses and individuals. However, with the opening of digital platforms, this barrier is expected to decrease, making rooftop solar more accessible to a wider range of users. Additionally, the African continent is expected to see significant growth in the rooftop solar market, driven by government initiatives and increasing demand for clean energy.