Solar panel imports into Africa rose by 60 per cent in the 12 months ending June 2025, according to a new analysis of China’s solar panel exports data from energy think tank ‘Ember’.

Data show that solar energy is at a scale to impact the electricity system of many countries. The analysis shows that Africa’s solar panel imports set a new record in the 12 months to June 2025, reaching 15,032 MW, a 60 per cent increase on the 9,379 MW imported in the preceding 12 months.

Recall that the last time imports surged was in 2023, when South Africa’s solar imports picked up as the power crisis hit its peak.

However, much of the pick-up in the last 12 months happened outside of South Africa. Twenty countries set a new record for the imports of solar panels in the 12 months. Essentially, about 25 countries imported at least 100 MW, up from 15 countries 12 months before.

Nigeria recently maintained the need to end the importation of photovoltaic solar panels into Nigeria, saying it had cost N200 billion so far. The development was welcomed with mixed feelings among stakeholders.

Breakdown of the figures revealed that in the last 12 months to June 2025, Nigeria overtook Egypt to become the second-largest importer with 1,721 MW of solar panel imports in the past year, while Algeria ranked third with 1,199 MW.