The energy storage market in East Africa is currently undergoing a significant transformation, emerging as a critical component of the region's energy transition and economic development strategy. Driven by a confluence of factors including robust demand from the mining sector, the rapid expansion of renewable energy projects, and the urgent need to address longstanding grid infrastructure challenges, the market is poised for exponential growth. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of the energy storage market in East Africa, highlighting key market drivers, technological advancements, regional project developments, and future trends.
The accelerated adoption of energy storage solutions in East Africa is underpinned by several key drivers. The mining industry, a cornerstone of many Sub-Saharan African economies, faces chronic power supply issues that hinder productivity and increase operational costs. Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) offer a viable solution by ensuring reliable power during grid fluctuations and enabling the integration of cost-effective renewable energy sources, thereby reducing dependence on expensive and polluting diesel generators [1].
Furthermore, the region's commitment to renewable energy integration has created a substantial demand for energy storage. As countries increasingly deploy solar and wind power, BESS technology plays a crucial role in managing the intermittency of these sources, enhancing grid stability, and providing essential ancillary services. This synergy between renewables and storage is fundamental to achieving a sustainable and resilient energy future for the region.
Finally, persistent grid infrastructure challenges, including unreliable power supply and weak grid connections, particularly in remote areas, have made energy storage an indispensable component of the energy landscape. BESS installations provide critical backup power, improve power quality, and support the overall resilience of the national grid, ensuring a more stable and reliable electricity supply for both industrial and residential consumers.
The East African market is benefiting from significant advancements in energy storage technology. The deployment of advanced battery technologies, such as Lithium Iron Phosphate (Li-FePO4), is enhancing the safety, reliability, and longevity of energy storage systems. Innovations in thermal management, including liquid cooling systems, are further improving battery performance and extending their operational life by as much as 10% compared to traditional air-cooled systems [3].
Modular and scalable solutions are also transforming the deployment of energy storage projects. Factory-assembled and pre-commissioned systems significantly reduce on-site installation time and complexity, enabling faster project execution and earlier revenue generation for project owners. This plug-and-play approach is particularly well-suited to the logistical challenges often encountered in the region.
Moreover, the cost competitiveness of energy storage is rapidly improving, making it an increasingly attractive investment. Record-low BESS pricing of $73-75/kWh has been achieved in the broader Middle East and Africa region, signalling a trend of declining costs that will further accelerate market growth in East Africa [7].
A landmark project in the region is Uganda's 100 MW solar and battery storage project in Kapeeka. This initiative, part of a broader plan to deploy over 1 GW of solar and storage capacity, underscores the government's commitment to achieving universal access to affordable and reliable electricity, in line with its Vision 2040 economic plan [4].
Technology partnerships and local capacity building are also playing a crucial role in market development. International companies like Jinko Solar are collaborating with local distributors to provide training and support, empowering local technicians and ensuring high standards of service across the region. These partnerships are fostering a sustainable ecosystem for energy storage, with emerging opportunities being identified in countries like Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Madagascar [3].
The future of the energy storage market in East Africa is exceptionally promising. The broader Middle East and Africa region is projected to experience a staggering 381% year-on-year growth in energy storage capacity in 2025, with East Africa expected to be a significant contributor to this expansion [5]. This growth will be fueled by declining technology costs, supportive regulatory frameworks, and the continued proliferation of renewable energy projects.
Sector diversification will be a key trend, with the market expanding beyond its traditional focus on the mining sector to encompass telecommunications, commercial and industrial applications, and utility-scale grid services. This will create a more resilient and diversified market with multiple revenue streams.
Technology evolution, particularly in the realm of long-duration energy storage, will further enhance the economic viability of BESS for a wider range of applications. The integration of energy storage with smart grid technologies will unlock new opportunities for grid optimization and management, paving the way for a more intelligent and efficient energy system.
The energy storage market in East Africa is at a pivotal moment, transitioning from a nascent sector to a cornerstone of the region's energy infrastructure. With strong market drivers, rapid technological innovation, and a supportive policy environment, the market is on a trajectory of robust and sustained growth. As East Africa continues on its path towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future, energy storage will undoubtedly play a central and indispensable role.
[1] African Mining Market. (2025, August 15). Can Battery Energy Storage Systems help power the future of mining in Africa? Retrieved from https://africanminingmarket.com/can-battery-energy-storage-systems-help-power-the-future-of-mining-in-africa/23281/
[2] EnergyTrend. (2024, December 26). Trina Solar Partners with AMEA Power to Land Large-Scale Energy Storage Project in Egypt. Retrieved from https://www.energytrend.com/news/20241226-48926.html
[3] Green Building Africa. (2025, September 26). Transforming energy storage in Sub-Saharan Africa with Jinko SunGiga ESS. Retrieved from https://www.greenbuildingafrica.co.za/transforming-energy-storage-in-sub-saharan-africa-with-jinko-sungiga-ess/
[4] Energy Capital & Power. (2025, August 15). Uganda Approves 100 MW Solar and Battery Storage Project. Retrieved from https://energycapitalpower.com/uganda-approves-100-mw-solar-and-battery-storage-project/
[5] Energy Storage News. (2025, February 25). InfoLink: 222 GWh more energy storage worldwide in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.ess-news.com/2025/02/25/infolink-222-gwh-more-energy-storage-worldwide-in-2025/
[6] Energy Storage News. (2025, May 30). South Africa: Mulilo takes lions’s share of BESIPPPP Window 3, Scatec wins one project. Retrieved from https://www.energy-storage.news/south-africa-mulilo-takes-lionss-share-of-besipppp-window-3-scatec-wins-one-project/
[7] TaiyangNews. (2025, September 8). Middle East & Africa Solar PV News Snippets. Retrieved from https://taiyangnews.info/markets/middle-east-africa-solar-pv-news-snippets-september-8-2025