The International Hydropower Association (IHA) has released a report stating that Africa recorded over 4,200 megawatts (MW) of new hydropower capacity in 2025, making it a fast-growing region for hydropower development globally.
The report, titled 2026 World Hydropower Outlook, noted that the continent commissioned 4,297 MW of new hydropower capacity during the year, surpassing 4,000 MW for the second consecutive year.
The growth was primarily driven by the completion of mega projects in Ethiopia and Tanzania, despite over 90% of Africa's hydropower potential remaining untapped.
Malcolm Turnbull, President of the IHA, stated that countries are increasingly turning to hydropower and energy storage solutions to ensure reliable electricity supplies, especially with growing dependence on renewable energy and rising geopolitical uncertainties.
According to the report, Ethiopia fully inaugurated the 5,000 MW Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) in 2025, marking the country's largest power station in Africa, while Tanzania completed the Julius Nyerere Hydropower Project, significantly reducing its dependence on diesel-powered electricity generation.
Africa's hydropower expansion places the continent at the forefront of global growth in conventional hydropower development, but the report warns that progress remains far below potential, with only about 10% of Africa's hydropower potential realized.
Despite progress, weak transmission infrastructure and fragmented electricity networks remain major barriers preventing power generated from reaching consumers efficiently.
The report also highlighted the need for significant investments in generation, transmission, and energy storage infrastructure to fully benefit from the continent's vast renewable energy potential.
In Nigeria, the rehabilitation of the Kainji Hydroelectric Power Station added 80 MW to the facility, increasing its installed capacity to 600 MW, but the modest increase contrasts sharply with the scale of new investments seen elsewhere on the continent.
Nigeria still grapples with chronic power shortages, frequent grid collapses, and a significant electricity access deficit, with about 86 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity, according to the World Bank.
The country has also experienced multiple national grid collapses in recent years, highlighting long-standing weaknesses in the electricity value chain.
Malcolm Turnbull emphasized the importance of flexibility, long-duration storage, and resilient domestic generation in addressing Africa's energy challenges.
Hydropower remains a critical component of Nigeria's electricity supply, with the Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro hydroelectric plants accounting for a significant share of power delivered to the national grid.
However, actual available generation remains significantly lower than installed capacity due to gas constraints, transmission limitations, ageing infrastructure, and operational challenges.
Nigeria is seeking to expand electricity access and reduce dependence on self-generated power, but proposed hydropower projects have faced delays linked to funding, environmental concerns, and implementation challenges.
The IHA report underscores the need for substantial investments in Africa's energy infrastructure to unlock the continent's vast renewable energy potential and ensure reliable electricity supplies.
The report's findings have significant implications for countries like Nigeria, which have vast hydropower resources but struggle to provide reliable electricity to its citizens.