African Solar Imports from China Soar 60%, Nigeria Overtakes Egypt as Second-Largest Market
African nations are rapidly scaling up solar adoption, with imports of Chinese solar panels surging 60% in the 12 months through June, according to data from climate think tank Ember.
China, which manufactures 80% of the world’s solar panels, remains the dominant global supplier. Over the period, 25 African countries imported at least 100 megawatts of solar capacity, compared with just 15 countries a year earlier.
Total shipments rose to 15 gigawatts of capacity, up from 9.4 gigawatts the previous year, Ember reported, citing Chinese customs data.
South Africa retained its position as Africa’s largest buyer, though demand has slowed since state utility Eskom stabilized electricity supply after 2023’s severe outages.
Nigeria surged ahead of Egypt to become the second-largest market, adding 1,721 megawatts of capacity over the past year.
Algeria followed closely, ranking third.
Beyond South Africa, imports have tripled in two years, with 20 other countries recording record inflows.
The shift is particularly striking in smaller economies. In Sierra Leone, panels imported over the past year could generate electricity equal to 61% of the nation’s total reported output in 2023 if fully deployed.
Sixteen other countries could boost national generation by more than 5% with newly imported panels.
Ember noted that solar adoption is also easing dependence on costly fuel imports. In Nigeria, for example, diesel savings can cover the cost of a solar panel in just six months—and even faster in several other African countries.
Despite this progress, Ember highlighted a stark contrast: in nine of Africa’s top ten solar importers, the value of refined petroleum imports still outweighs solar panel imports by factors of 30 to 107.
The trend, however, signals a pivotal shift. As solar capacity expands, Africa is moving closer to cheaper, cleaner, and more secure energy while reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
