Johannesburg: Africa has witnessed a significant surge in solar panel imports, marking a pivotal moment in the continent's energy landscape. Solar imports across African nations have increased by 60% in the 12 months leading up to June 2025, setting a new record with 15,032 MW imported, compared to 9,379 MW in the previous year.
According to African Press Organization, data from energy think tank Ember highlights that this rise in solar panel imports is expected to impact the electricity systems of many African countries significantly. Several countries have recorded remarkable growth rates in their solar imports. Algeria's imports increased 33-fold, while Zambia, Botswana, and Sudan saw their imports rise eightfold, sevenfold, and sixfold, respectively. Additionally, Liberia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Benin, Angola, and Ethiopia more than tripled their imports.
Despite these record import numbers, there is currently no data on the number of solar panels installed. Muhammad Mustafa Amjad, Program Director at Renewables First, emphasizes the importance of tracking these installations to facilitate an organized and accelerated energy transition. He warns that without timely data, opportunities may be missed, pointing to Pakistan's experience as a cautionary tale. He asserts that Africa's energy transition is inevitable, but timely data can make it more equitable and inclusive.
The analysis further reveals that these recent imports could significantly boost electricity generation in many African countries. If fully installed, the solar imports in Sierra Leone alone could generate electricity equivalent to 61% of the country's reported electricity generation in 2023, while in Chad, the figure stands at 49%. Other countries like Liberia, Somalia, Eritrea, Togo, and Benin could see their generation rise by more than 10% of the reported 2023 figures. Overall, 16 countries could witness an increase of over 5%.
The report also notes that increased solar panel imports could reduce overall import costs. In Nigeria, the savings from avoiding diesel could repay the cost of a solar panel within six months, with even shorter payback periods in other countries. In nine of the top ten solar panel importers, the value of refined petroleum imports far exceeds that of solar panels by factors ranging from 30 to 107.
Further research and data collection are crucial to unlocking the full potential of solar energy in Africa. Dave Jones, Chief Analyst at Ember, describes the solar take-off in Africa as a crucial turning point. He calls for enhanced research, analysis, and reporting to ensure that solar energy, the world's cheapest electricity source, fulfills its transformative potential on the African continent.
The current surge in solar imports is still in its nascent stages, with Africa poised for a significant energy transition akin to Pakistan's recent solar boom. However, the continent's journey is just beginning, and the initial evidence of change is now emerging.