From Algeria on the Mediterranean coast to landlocked Zambia in the south, African nations are importing record volumes of solar panels from China this year, signaling what analysts describe as the early stages of a continent-wide shift toward renewable energy. The surge comes as governments look for sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels to meet rising power demands and tackle persistent electricity shortages.
China, the world’s largest producer of solar technology, has become the primary supplier of affordable panels, making large-scale solar projects more accessible for African markets. Experts say the increased imports could accelerate rural electrification, expand off-grid power solutions, and reduce dependence on costly fuel imports.
While challenges such as financing, infrastructure, and grid integration remain, the trend underscores Africa’s growing role in the global clean energy transition. Analysts predict that if the momentum continues, solar power could become one of the continent’s fastest-growing energy sources over the next decade.