African Solar Imports from China Surge 60% in Energy Boom
On August 26, 2025, Ember’s analysis revealed that Africa’s solar panel imports increased by 60% to 15,032 MW in the 12 months to June 2025, primarily driven by China’s solar panel manufacturers.
Rising diesel prices, unreliable national grids and supportive policies spurred demand for cheaper solar alternatives, with 20 countries setting records and 25 importing at least 100 MW continent-wide.
South Africa remained the largest importer with about 3,784 MW, roughly a quarter of the total; Nigeria overtook Egypt with 1,721 MW, Algeria imported 1,199 MW recording a 33-fold jump, and Zambia, Botswana, Sudan posted high growth.
Ember estimated that if installed, these panels could let 16 countries meet at least 5% of electricity needs, Sierra Leone generate more than 60%, and households and businesses repay costs in six months with diesel cost savings.
Financing and grid limits could stall growth, while Nigeria’s proposed import restriction prompts criticism, and analysts see a $20 billion market by 2033 with Power Africa mobilizing capital.
African countries are importing a record volume of solar panels from China, including a rising share to countries other than South Africa. The last 12 months saw a 60% spike in imports across the continent, according to a new analysis from the research group Ember. At least 25 countries imported more than 100 megawatts worth of panels during that period, up from just 15 in the prior year.
Most of those imports are for rooftop, rather than utility-scale systems, suggesting that more homeowners outside the continent’s traditional solar stronghold, South Africa, are finding ways to afford and install home solar systems. All those panels will make a significant contribution to improving electricity access, Ember reported, but adoption in Africa still lags far behind other big emerging markets like Pakistan.
