Across Africa, hospitals are increasingly turning to solar energy as a solution to frequent power outages that disrupt medical services. Countries such as Mali and Nigeria are leading this shift, installing solar systems to ensure continuous electricity supply and improve patient care.
In Mali, more than half of community health centers now rely on solar photovoltaic systems with batteries as their main energy source. Additionally, nearly all reference health centers in the country have integrated solar energy into their operations. Despite these advances, only about 53 percent of Mali’s population has access to electricity, with rural areas being the most affected. Political instability and insecurity continue to pose challenges to the wider expansion of solar energy in healthcare facilities.
In Nigeria, the high cost of generator-based electricity has prompted hospitals to adopt solar solutions. Doctors Without Borders installed a 250-kilowatt solar system at Zurmi General Hospital, consisting of 436 solar panels. This installation has replaced the hospital’s monthly fuel consumption of over 11,000 liters, ensuring uninterrupted emergency surgeries and proper refrigeration of medicines. Studies show that solar systems for standard health centers are cost-effective, with investments recoverable in as little as two years due to reduced fuel expenses.
Other African countries are also embracing solar energy for healthcare. In Madagascar, a World Bank-supported project has electrified 500 rural health centers, providing lighting, refrigeration, and improved sterilization facilities. The World Health Organization recently launched a project in the Central African Republic to electrify 50 centers, including 35 district hospitals, using decentralized solar systems.
These initiatives highlight the critical role of reliable energy in healthcare delivery. As more hospitals adopt solar power, collaboration between governments, international organizations, and private sector partners will be essential to integrate solar energy into national healthcare infrastructure, improving service delivery and contributing to sustainable development goals across the continent.