Photo stories on the human side of Africa’s solar boom

Africa has become the fastest-growing market for Chinese solar manufacturers. The continent recorded a nearly 50% surge in imports in 2025. This could be transformational for energy access and development. 

But what does the rise of imported solar panels look like on the ground in different places across Africa? What does it feel like to those experiencing it? And is it really ushering in a new era of clean and affordable energy access?

We are seeking to explore these questions by commissioning a series of photo-first features, each centred on a single protagonist in a different African country. We want the stories to serve as visual vignettes, revealing how China’s solar footprint is intersecting with human aspirations, and grounding a complex energy transition in everyday, lived realities. They should examine the positives, negatives and complexities of the unfolding situation.

What we’re looking for

~ Photo-first features backed up by in-depth, on-the-ground reporting. “Photo-first” means the images and their captions should tell most of the story, with just a short textual introduction to explain the background. For guidance on the format, please see these examples: one & two.

~ Each piece should focus on one person whose story reveals their local as well as wider realities, and how solar technologies are or are not impacting or improving their lives (and by implication, the lives of those around them). We are keen to capture complexities: not just the benefits of solar energy, but also the limitations, frustrations and unanswered questions surrounding Africa’s solar boom and China’s energy footprint in the continent. In addition, we are particularly interested in under-reported stories with unusual angles. 

~ We are keen to hear from all corners of the continent, including countries where solar energy is already making a big impact (eg Morocco), and those where there has yet to be much development (eg Madagascar). Please note we will not be accepting pitches from Kenya, as we already have a story lined up for that country.

~ As part of our commitment to local voices and knowledge, we particularly welcome pitches from experienced photojournalists or photographer & journalist pairings who have a strong connection to the community they plan to cover.

~ What you’ll need to deliver:

~ A package of 40+ images, with brief caption information for each.
~ An article using roughly 20 of these images to tell the story, with in-depth captions and a short introduction of around 400 words (total length 1,300-1,500 words).
~ At least one short, vertical video for social media. 

~ Compensation: USD 1,800 to cover all fees and other costs, including taxes.

Please note:

~ All story ideas and submitted content must be original, unpublished elsewhere and exclusive to us. Your story will be published on our website under Creative Commons and reformatted for social media.

~ We will not accept any pitches, articles or other content that has been written, created or edited using artificial intelligence. The only exception is for transcription and translation. If you use a translation tool to help with your pitch, please state this in your submission.

How to pitch

~ Pitches should be written in English, under 400 words in length, and submitted via this online form.

~ Information to include: 

~ A working headline for your story.
~ The story you want to tell, the specific location and relevant background on the solar energy situation in the local and wider area.
~ A list of potential individual protagonists you could photograph, including your access to these individuals and consent considerations.
~ For yourself and your collaborators: your experience as a photographer or journalist, links to your website or portfolio, examples of previous published work and your social media handles. 

~ Pitch deadline: 13th September 2026

(Cover image: Rolf Schulten / imageBROKER / Alamy)