Sinovoltaics Launches First Solar Supply Chain Map for Middle East and Africa

Hong Kong–based technical compliance and quality assurance company Sinovoltaics has published the first-ever Solar Supply Chain Map dedicated to the Middle East and Africa (MEA), highlighting the region’s drive to establish full vertical integration in solar PV manufacturing, covering everything from polysilicon production to module assembly.

The launch underscores the growing role of the MEA region as a solar supply hub, catering to both local energy demand and international markets, particularly in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, Sinovoltaics insists.

Current Capacity and Expansion Goals

Currently, the Middle East and Africa possess a combined solar manufacturing capacity of 3.4 GW for PV modules, 2.5 GW for solar cells, and over 8 GW for ingot production.

According to projections, the Middle East and Africa could achieve more than 62 gigawatts of module manufacturing, 52.5 GW of solar cell capacity, 45 GW of polysilicon output, and 290,000 tons of metallurgical-grade silicon. 

“This manufacturing expansion is designed to close supply gaps in regional markets and North America, where limited upstream solar component production and low tariffs create strong demand,” explained Dricus de Rooij, CEO and co-founder of Sinovoltaics. “Although challenges remain, such as grid infrastructure limitations and logistical bottlenecks, the MENA region’s solar manufacturing capacity is poised for significant growth.”

Strategic Position in Global Trade

Although much of the newly planned capacity is backed by Chinese firms, MEA nations are steadily taking shape as alternative suppliers to Southeast Asia, which has long held a dominant position in the solar export industry.

Sinovoltaics identifies the region as advantageously positioned to serve European markets, where demand for solar components continues to grow. Potential exports to North America remain possible, but trade barriers may pose obstacles. 

Notably, South African-made solar modules currently face a 30 percent tariff in the United States, dampening near-term export opportunities.

Insights from the Supply Chain Map

Sinovoltaics’ inaugural Solar Supply Chain Map currently documents 27 solar manufacturing sites across the Middle East and Africa. The facilities listed cover the entire production chain, including PV modules, cells, wafers, ingots, polysilicon, and metallurgical-grade silicon.

By offering a detailed account of production facilities, the map is expected to aid developers, investors, and policymakers seeking clarity on the evolving role of MEA in global solar manufacturing.

Sinovoltaics Data

In addition to mapping supply chains, Sinovoltaics provides a broad range of services to support the industry. These include quality assurance inspections, factory audits, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) reporting, and traceability audits for large-scale solar and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects.

The company maintains offices in Switzerland, the United States, Hong Kong, mainland China, and Vietnam, supported by inspection and audit teams across leading manufacturing hubs, such as Vietnam, Türkiye, Thailand, China, Malaysia, Cambodia, South Korea, India, and the US.