Does Africa Import solar panels from China?

This report presents Ember’s analysis of Africa’s imports of solar panels from China. The Chinese solar panel export data gives valuable insights because it includes imports up to June 2025, at a monthly granularity, and for every country in the world. The data can be found in Ember’s China Solar Export Explorer.

Why does Africa Import solar panels?

Africa depends heavily on imports because domestic solar panel manufacturing is still limited. Morocco recently doubled manufacturing to 1 GW per year, and South Africa has a similar capacity, and there are much smaller manufacturing lines in some countries including Egypt and Nigeria.

How many solar panels are imported outside of South Africa?

Over the last two years, the imports of solar panels outside of South Africa have nearly tripled from 3,734 MW to 11,248 MW. The rise happened across Africa. 20 countries set a new record for the imports of solar panels in the 12 months to June 2025. 25 countries imported at least 100 MW, up from 15 countries 12 months before.

How many solar panels did Africa Import in 2025?

Africa’s solar panel imports set a new record in the 12 months to June 2025, reaching 15,032 MW — a 60% increase on the 9,379 MW imported in the preceding 12 months. The last time imports surged was in 2023, when South Africa solar imports picked up as the power crisis hit its peak.

Where do Africa's solar panels come from?

The vast majority of Africa’s solar panels come from Chinese imports. That is because China produced 80% of the world’s solar panels in 2024, and is by far the biggest exporter. Africa depends heavily on imports because domestic solar panel manufacturing is still limited.

Where can I find China solar export data?

The data can be found in Ember’s China Solar Export Explorer. It is sourced from the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), using the code 85414300 “Photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made up into panels”.