Solar Power Surge: Africa’s Imports of Chinese Panels Soar by 48% in 2025 BODY: Johannesburg, South Africa – The African continent has witnessed a significant solar power expansion in 2025, with a marked increase in imports of Chinese solar panels, reflecting a 48% surge over the previous year. This dramatic rise, driven by plummeting prices and shifting global trade patterns, has seen Africa import a record 18. 8 gigawatts (GW) of Chinese solar panels, a volume that outstrips the capacity of Ethiopia’s Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, the largest hydropower project in Africa.
North Africa has led this expansion, with Egypt and Algeria at the forefront. Egypt’s imports of Chinese panels more than doubled, reaching 2. 3 GW, while Algeria saw imports increase sixfold to 2.
1 GW.
The trend is not confined to these countries, with South Africa, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also importing over 1 GW each.
The surge in Chinese solar panel imports underscores Africa’s growing commitment to renewable energy, though it also raises questions about the continent’s long-term energy security and the potential for local solar panel manufacturing.
As the cost — effectiveness of solar energy continues to rise, the future of Africa’s energy mix hinges on balancing international supply chains with sustainable, domestic production.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: Ayodeji Adegboyega
