- Oxford Economics reported that African solar energy use is rising fast, with imports reaching a record US$135.8 million in July 2025.
- The rapid growth highlights Africa’s commitment to solar power to connect homes and businesses off-grid.
African solar energy adoption is accelerating. Chinese-made panels now dominate rooftops and power massive renewable projects across the continent. They are visible in rural villages and major cities, signalling a growing shift towards clean energy.
A recent Oxford Economics study revealed that Africa imported 9,516 megawatts (MW) of Chinese solar panels in the first seven months of 2025. This represents a steep rise from 6,625 MW in the same period last year. As a result, solar power is becoming a vital solution for off-grid households and businesses struggling with frequent blackouts.
According to the report, the volume of imports is a reliable measure of Africa’s rising solar capacity. In particular, it reflects China’s dominance in the global production of solar panels. South Africa, Algeria, and Nigeria led the surge. Meanwhile, imports in several other African countries more than quadrupled compared with last year.
Chinese companies are fuelling much of this momentum. For example, PowerChina is constructing the 342 MW De Aar Central Solar Power Plant in South Africa. In addition, Algeria is hosting major desert projects, including a 220 MW plant in Biskra and a 200 MW facility in El M’Ghair. Consequently, China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa and strengthening its influence over its energy future.
However, sub-Saharan Africa still has the lowest electricity access rate globally, with only 53.3 per cent connected. Nevertheless, the rapid expansion of solar capacity represents a crucial step towards closing this gap.
Oxford Economics economist Lyle Begbie noted that solar energy costs have dropped dramatically over the last decade. Therefore, solar is now the cheapest source of electricity in history. Prices may fall further as China continues to innovate and subsidise production.
Dave Jones, chief analyst at Ember, reported a 60 per cent rise in African solar imports from China in the year to June. Notably, imports outside South Africa tripled in two years, with Sierra Leone and Chad recording some of the most dramatic gains.
Former Liberian public works minister W. Gyude Moore attributed the surge to falling costs and the urgent need for reliable power. He stressed that, with widespread load shedding and utility insolvency, modular solar panels remain the most practical solution for bridging Africa’s energy deficit.