Solar panel imports into Africa from China have surged by 60% in the year to June 2025, according to a recent analysis by energy think tank Ember (Ember’s China Solar Export Explorer) having reached a total of 15 032 MW in the 12 months to June 2025, up from 9379 MW in the previous year. This growth is spread across the continent, with 20 countries hitting new highs in solar panel imports.
South Africa continued to be the largest solar importer in the 12 months to June 2025, while Nigeria became the second-largest with 1721 MW brought in over the past year, overtaking Egypt and followed by Algeria with 1199 MW.
Notably, several countries have seen exponential growth in imports, with Algeria’s imports increasing 33-fold and Zambia’s by eight times. Ember chief analyst Dave Jones commented: “The take-off of solar in Africa is a pivotal moment. This [analysis] is a call to action, urging stronger research, analysis and reporting on solar’s rise – to ensure the world’s cheapest electricity source fulfils its vast potential to transform the African continent.”
Financial import
Despite the record imports, it remains unclear how many solar panels have been installed. However, the potential impact on electricity generation is substantial. For instance, Sierra Leone’s recent imports could account for 61% of its 2023 electricity generation if fully installed while Chad could see a 49% contribution. The analysis also highlights the economic benefits of solar panel imports, suggesting that the savings from reduced diesel usage could cover the cost of solar panels within six months in Nigeria.
But in nine of the top ten importing countries, the value of refined petroleum imports far exceeds that of solar panels, by a factor of 30 to 107. There is a pressing need for more data and research to fully understand and harness the potential of the solar surge in Africa.
