Africa imported 15,0 GW of Chinese solar panels in the 12 months to June 2025, which represents a 60% increase from 9,4 GW the year before. This is according to Ember’s new report, The first evidence of a take-off in solar in Africa. South Africa remained the top importer, ahead of Nigeria and Algeria, but other markets are growing faster.
Imports outside South Africa almost tripled over two years, rising from 3,7 GW to 11,2 GW. Nigeria overtook Egypt for second place in the past year while Algeria rose to third. In 2022, countries outside South Africa held a small share of total imports. By 2024, 25 countries imported 0,1 GW or more – up from 15 the year before.
Across the continent, 20 countries set new records for annual imports in the year to June 2025, showing what Ember describes as “unprecedented speed” in solar growth.
Local manufacturing is also expanding. South Africa’s production now matches Morocco’s, which recently doubled its output to 1 GW per year. Egypt is increasing its manufacturing base with three major plants under development.
