- Africa’s solar imports surged by 60%, with Nigeria, Algeria, and Zambia among the fastest-growing markets.
- Potential generation from imports could transform the electricity supply in multiple African countries.
Africa’s solar imports surge highlights clear evidence of a renewable energy take-off across the continent. According to new data from Ember, solar panel shipments increased by 60% in the 12 months to June 2025. This growth, which reached a record 15,032 MW, signals a decisive step towards clean energy solutions.
The surge is not confined to a single country. Instead, it has spread widely, with 20 African nations setting new records for imports. At least 25 countries imported 100 MW or more, compared with just 15 last year. Nigeria overtook Egypt to become the second-largest importer, with 1,721 MW brought in. Algeria ranked third at 1,199 MW and saw imports rise 33-fold. Zambia’s imports grew eightfold, while Botswana recorded a sevenfold increase. Others, including Liberia, Benin, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than tripled imports.
If fully installed, these imports could transform national electricity systems. In Sierra Leone, the new capacity could equal 61% of 2023’s electricity output. Chad could generate 49%, while Liberia, Eritrea, Somalia, Togo, and Benin could boost power supply by over 10%.
Despite this, the actual level of installation remains uncertain. Analysts stress that robust tracking is vital to ensure the benefits are realised. Muhammad Mustafa Amjad of Renewables First noted that bottom-up solar growth is inevitable, yet opportunities could be lost without accurate data.
The financial case strengthens the momentum. In Nigeria, diesel savings could repay the cost of a solar panel within six months. In some countries, payback is even quicker. Across nine of the top ten solar importers, the petroleum import bill exceeded solar imports by 30 to 107 times. This disparity shows the urgency and opportunity: solar can reduce fuel dependence, protect foreign reserves, and secure cleaner energy.
Africa’s solar expansion comes amid widespread electricity shortages. Nearly 600 million people remain without power, while millions more rely on weak grids or costly diesel generators. With solar module prices falling by more than 80% in a decade, Africa has a chance to leapfrog fossil-heavy energy models.
Still, challenges remain. Data gaps on installation, integration, and financing slow progress. Policy frameworks are also uneven. Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa have supportive structures, but weaker systems elsewhere hinder large-scale adoption.
Experts argue Africa is not yet experiencing explosive growth like Pakistan, but the shift could accelerate with strong investment and sound policy. Africa’s solar imports surge remains a powerful signal. With rising demand, rapid urbanisation, and industrialisation, solar offers both a solution to energy poverty and a tool for climate resilience. The question now is whether Africa can convert imports into a true solar revolution.