Africa's solar panel imports surge 60% in 2025

Ember has published an analysis showing African solar panel imports rose 60% in the 12 months to June 2025, reaching a record 15,032 MW.

• Main announcement: Ember’s analysis finds 15,032 MW of solar panel imports in the 12 months to June 2025 (a 60% increase from 9,379 MW the previous 12 months). 20 countries set new import records; 25 countries imported at least 100 MW (up from 15). Nigeria imported 1,721 MW (now second-largest importer) and Algeria imported 1,199 MW (third).
• Details & background: Several countries showed very high growth (Algeria 33-fold, Zambia eightfold, Botswana sevenfold, Sudan sixfold; Liberia, DRC, Benin, Angola, Ethiopia >3x). If fully installed, recent imports could materially increase generation (e.g., Sierra Leone 61%, Chad 49% of reported 2023 generation; 16 countries >5%). Ember notes diesel savings can repay a solar panel cost within six months in Nigeria; in nine of the top ten importers refined petroleum import value eclipses solar imports by factors of 30–107. Quotes from Muhammad Mustafa Amjad (Program Director, Renewables First) and Dave Jones (Chief Analyst, Ember) are included in the report.