Solar panel imports into Africa increased 60% in the 12 months through June 2025, according to an analysis of China's export data, energy think tank Ember announced on Tuesday.
The data shows how the rise was spread across the continent, and "it is at a scale to impact the electricity system of many countries," the London-based think tank said in a statement.
Africa's solar panel imports hit a record 15,032 megawatts in the 12 months through June 2025, a 60% jump from 9,379 megawatts in the previous year, it added.
Twenty African countries set records for solar imports, with 25 countries importing at least 100 megawatts, compared to 15 countries a year earlier.
Nigeria overtook Egypt as the second-largest importer with 1,721 megawatts, while Algeria ranked third with 1,199 megawatts.
Some nations posted exponential growth, the report said. Algeria's imports jumped 33-fold, Zambia's rose eightfold, Botswana's sevenfold, and Sudan's sixfold.
Liberia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia all more than tripled their imports.
The report noted that recent imports could make a major contribution to electricity generation across the continent.
Commenting on the report, Muhammad Mustafa Amjad, program director at Islamabad-based Renewables First, said bottom-up energy transitions powered by cheap solar "are no longer a choice—they're our future."
"Africa's transition will happen regardless, but with timely data it can be more equitable, planned and inclusive," Amjad added.
Dave Jones, chief analyst at Ember, called the take-off of solar in Africa "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," Jones added.
(Anadolu Agency, August 26, 2025)
