According to the Global Electricity Review 2026 published by Ember, African nations significantly increased their imports of solar panels from China, reaching 18.8 GW last year compared to 12.7 GW in 2024—an increase of about 48%.
This volume is substantial, exceeding three times the generating capacity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, Africa’s largest hydroelectric facility.
The sharp rise reflects a changing global trade pattern. With higher tariffs in Western markets such as the United States and Europe, Chinese manufacturers are increasingly redirecting solar exports toward emerging economies, with Africa becoming a major destination.
Growth has been particularly strong in North Africa. Egypt imported 2.3 GW of Chinese panels in 2025, more than double its previous year’s volume. Algeria also recorded rapid expansion, increasing imports sixfold to 2.1 GW.
The trend extends across the continent. South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo each imported over 1 GW, while Morocco, Kenya, and Tanzania also reported notable volumes.
Cost competitiveness remains the key factor behind this surge. Solar panels from China are generally 20–30% cheaper than similar products from other Asian suppliers, making them especially appealing in regions facing financial constraints and currency challenges.
This shift is already influencing Africa’s energy landscape. Faster solar adoption, combined with increased hydropower generation in Ethiopia, enabled renewable energy to surpass coal in 2025, according to the report.
On a global scale, solar energy continues to expand rapidly. In 2025, solar generation grew by nearly 30% to 2,778 terawatt-hours, contributing roughly three-quarters of the growth in global electricity demand. It also surpassed wind power, accounting for 8.7% of total electricity generation worldwide.
For Africa, the increase in solar imports marks a critical moment. Lower-cost solar technology is accelerating electrification and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. However, it also increases dependence on imported equipment, raising important questions about domestic manufacturing capabilities and long-term energy security.