Africa’s Solar Imports Surge 60%, Signalling Take-Off in Solar: EMBER

Africa recorded a 60% jump in solar panel imports in the 12 months to June 2025, according to a new analysis of China’s export data by energy think tank Ember.

The study highlights that the growth was seen across multiple African countries, with volumes reaching a scale that could significantly impact national electricity systems and accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition.

EMBER, in its latest solar panel import data, found that during this period, Africa’s solar panel imports set a new record, reaching 15,032 MW – a 60% increase on the 9,379 MW imported in the preceding 12 months. The research report found that a vast majority of Africa’s solar panels come from Chinese imports. It associated the rising imports with the increase in solar panel production in China, which produced 80% of the world’s solar panels in 2024, and is by far the biggest exporter.

Solar Import Growth Across Africa

Based on the trend shared in EMBER’s report, “The last time imports surged was in 2023, when South Africa's solar imports picked up as the power crisis hit its peak. However, this time is different – much of the pick-up in the last 12 months happened outside of South Africa. 20 countries set a new record for the imports of solar panels in the 12 months to June 2025. 25 countries imported at least 100 MW, up from 15 countries 12 months before.”

The report describes how solar panel imports may actually reduce overall imports. It said, "The savings from avoiding diesel can repay the cost of a solar panel within six months in Nigeria, and even less in other countries. In nine of the top ten solar panel importers, the import value of refined petroleum eclipses the import value of solar panels by a factor of between 30 to 107."

Furthermore, the study explained the growth in the last 12 months to June 2025, stating, "In Africa, the study found that Nigeria overtook Egypt to become the second-largest importer with 1,721 MW of solar panel imports in the past year, while Algeria ranked third with 1,199 MW. On the other hand, some countries recorded very high growth rates. For instance, the report showed a rise in Algeria’s imports by 33-fold, Zambia eightfold, Botswana sevenfold, and Sudan sixfold, while Liberia, DRC, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia all more than tripled their imports."

Additionally, the study found that these recent imports could make a major contribution to electricity generation in many African countries. It mentioned, "If fully installed, imports in Sierra Leone in the last 12 months could generate electricity equivalent to 61% of reported electricity generation in 2023, while in Chad the figure is 49%. Liberia, Somalia, Eritrea, Togo, and Benin could see a generation rise by more than 10% of the reported 2023 generation. In total, 16 countries could see an increase of over 5%."

Leadership View

Sharing the key leadership view on the latest report, EMBER stated, "Bottom-up energy transitions fueled by cheap solar are no longer a choice – they’re our future. Tracking these additions is what makes the difference between a messy shift and an organised, accelerated one. When you don’t track, you lose time and opportunities. Pakistan’s experience shows this clearly. Africa’s transition will happen regardless, but with timely data it can be more equitable, planned, and inclusive,” Muhammad Mustafa Amjad, ‍Program Director, Renewables First

“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,” Dave Jones, ‍Chief Analyst at Ember.