Solar panel imports in Africa provide vital electricity to over 600 million people currently without power

Solar Power Gains Momentum Across Africa, According to New Report

A recent report by Ember, using data from Chinese customs, reveals a significant surge in solar power adoption across Africa. In the past two years, solar panel imports outside South Africa nearly tripled, rising from 3,734 MW to 11,248 MW.

This growth is evident in the increased imports from China, the world's largest producer and exporter of solar panels. In the year 2025 alone, solar module imports from China to Africa increased by 60%, totaling 15,032 MW, with record imports in 20 countries.

Despite the lack of specific details about the 25 African countries that imported at least 100 MW of solar modules in the last 12 months, the report indicates a significant growth in solar capacity across multiple African nations.

The energy crisis in South Africa, which led to a significant increase in solar imports in 2023, is not the only country experiencing this shift. New data suggests that interest in solar energy is spreading to other countries as well.

In some countries, such as Nigeria, the savings from stopping diesel imports for electricity production could cover the cost of solar panels in approximately six months or even less. This shift towards solar power could significantly reduce fossil fuel imports, especially diesel, in many African countries.

The report also highlights some countries where newly imported solar panels could contribute more than 10% of total electricity production from 2023. These include Liberia (25%), Somalia (15%), Eritrea (15%), Togo (11%), and Benin (10%). In countries like Sierra Leone, if all the solar panels imported in the last 12 months were installed, it could produce 61% of its total electricity output from 2023.

However, the report also emphasizes that the process is still in its early stages and that more data and research are needed to fully understand its potential. North African nations and countries like Ghana, Gabon, and South Africa have made progress, but major challenges remain in Central Africa and the Sahel region.

Despite these challenges, the report underscores the promising potential of solar power in Africa. Approximately 16 countries have the potential to increase electricity production by at least 5%, according to the report. This includes countries like Chad, where 49% of solar panels imported in the last 12 months could contribute to the electricity output.

The accelerating solar expansion in Africa is a positive step towards addressing the energy crisis and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. According to 2022 research by Wood Mackenzie, 17 African countries had more diesel generator capacity than grid-connected power plants, underscoring the need for a shift towards renewable energy sources like solar power.

Experts emphasize that while the progress is encouraging, more needs to be done to ensure a sustainable and equitable transition to renewable energy across the continent.