Intersolar Africa 2026 Returns to Nairobi, Highlights Breakthroughs in Solar PV and Energy Storage Infrastructure
NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 20 – In anticipation of the upcoming Intersolar Africa 2026 exhibition, industry leaders and organizers gathered in Nairobi for a media breakfast meeting, Highlighting East Africa’s accelerating transition toward a renewable-led energy future ahead of the exhibition and conference scheduled for 3-4 February 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre.
The briefing served as a preview to the continent’s premier B2B solar platform, which is expected to host over 100 exhibitors and 3,000 trade visitors focused on scaling sustainable energy infrastructure across the Great Lakes region.
Stakeholders underscored the critical synergy between solar photovoltaics and battery energy storage systems (BESS) in bridging the region’s energy gap.
The high-level conference is set to bring together industry leaders to discuss developments in solar PV, energy storage, grid management, charging infrastructure, finance and policy.
Georg Pflomm, Project Manager Energy at AHK Eastern Africa, while addressing the media emphasized that East Africa is emerging as one of the continent’s most dynamic clean energy markets, driven by rising electricity demand, falling solar costs and the urgent need for reliable power solutions.
“Intersolar Africa builds on more than 30 years of global experience connecting the solar and energy storage industry, 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”, said Pflomm.
Established in Munich in 1991, Intersolar has evolved into the definitive global authority for the solar industry, hosting a premier exhibition series for solar photovoltaics and energy storage, attracting over 200,000 visitors and nearly 5,000 exhibitors globally.
Africa hosted its first Intersolar event in 2025, a conference-only summit that drew strong participation from across the continent and highlighted the need for a larger, exhibition-led platform in East Africa.
Industry experts at the briefing highlighted a startling “resource-reality gap,” noting that while Africa possesses a staggering 60% of the world’s best solar resources solar currently accounts for only a small share of electricity generation.
Additionally, Rapid growth in East Africa, rising commercial and industrial solar installations and increasing investment in mini-grids and energy storage are positioning the region as a key driver of Africa’s clean energy future.
Energy storage was highlighted as a critical enabler for higher shares of renewable energy, supporting grid stability, reducing reliance on diesel generation, and helping address power shortages currently affecting countries such as Kenya.
“Intersolar Africa is not just about technology, It is about partnerships, market-ready solutions and creating the conditions for reliable, affordable and sustainable power across the region.”
