Africa is experiencing a major solar shift. In the 12 months to June 2025, imports of solar panels from China jumped by 60%, reaching 15,032 megawatts (MW) compared to about 9,379 MW the year before.
According to an Ember report, this marks“the first evidence of a take-off in solar in Africa.”
The surge is a strong signal that many countries across the continent are beginning to embrace solar power on a much larger scale.
Who’s Importing the Most?
While South Africa has long been the leader in solar adoption, new data shows that imports are now spreading widely across the continent.
South Africa remained the top importer, bringing in about 3,784 MW of Chinese panels in the past year.
Nigeria came in second with 1,721 MW, reflecting the country’s push to move away from costly diesel generators. Algeria followed closely with 1,199 MW, showing how North Africa is quickly scaling up its solar ambitions. Morocco also emerged as a strong player, ranking fourth overall.
Other countries are also recording significant growth. Algeria’s imports rose 33-fold compared to previous years.
Zambia imported nearly eight times more than before, while Botswana’s volumes grew seven-fold.
Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, and Liberia all more than tripled their imports. In total, 20 African countries set new records, and 25 countries imported at least 100 MW each.
Expert Perspectives
Energy analysts are calling this a turning point. Dave Jones, Chief Analyst at Ember, said:
“The take-off of solar in Africa is a pivotal moment. This report 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.”
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Others agree that the growth is both inevitable and necessary. Muhammad Mustafa Amjad, Program Director at Renewables First, stressed the importance of tracking progress:
“Bottom-up energy transitions fueled by cheap solar are no longer a choice — they’re our future. When you don’t track, you lose time and opportunities. Africa’s transition will happen regardless, but with timely data it can be more equitable, planned and inclusive.”
Why It Matters
This surge in imports means solar is moving from the margins into the mainstream of Africa’s energy systems.
For countries struggling with high fuel costs and unreliable electricity, solar is increasingly seen as a practical solution.
In Nigeria, for example, Ember estimates that households and businesses relying on diesel generators could recover the cost of a solar panel in less than six months due to fuel savings.
In smaller economies like Sierra Leone and Chad, the panels imported in the past year alone could generate power equal to half or more of their total electricity production in 2023 — if fully installed.
Challenges Ahead
But imports don’t always translate immediately into new power generation. Panels can sit in warehouses while projects wait for permits, financing, or grid connections.
Weak electricity grids in many countries make it difficult to integrate large amounts of solar without parallel investments in storage and transmission.
There’s also a risk of over-reliance on imports. At present, almost all panels come from China. Some African nations, including Morocco and Egypt, are working to build local manufacturing, but production capacity remains small compared to demand.
What Needs to Happen
For Africa’s solar boom to deliver real change, several steps are critical. Governments need to create clear policies that make it easier to install and connect solar power to the grid.
Financing remains essential, as many projects struggle with high borrowing costs.
Local manufacturing could add jobs and resilience, while investment in grid infrastructure will help countries manage growing solar capacity.
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Most importantly, solar expansion must be inclusive. Rural communities and off-grid households should benefit alongside urban centers and industries.
Mini-grids, rooftop panels, and community projects can help ensure that solar reduces energy poverty, not just electricity costs for the wealthy.
Conclusion
The surge in Chinese solar panel imports is a milestone for Africa. South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria, Morocco, and Zambia are leading the way, but many more countries are now part of the story.
Ember calls this a “pivotal moment,” and rightly so — the numbers show that solar is no longer a side option but a central piece of Africa’s energy future.
If supported by smart policy, financing, and infrastructure, this boom could reshape the continent’s power systems, cut dependence on fossil fuels, and bring affordable electricity to millions more people.
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