Insights from Chinese Trade Data on Africa’s Energy Prospects

Recent Chinese customs data reveals a significant rise in solar energy development across Africa, indicating a promising shift toward renewable energy on the continent. In the year ending June 2025, African nations imported a record 15 gigawatts of solar panels from China, a 60% year-over-year increase. Notably, excluding South Africa, other African countries imported 11.2 gigawatts, tripling their imports from two years ago. This trend is especially pronounced in conflict-affected regions such as Mali, Somalia, and Sudan, which underscores the increasing accessibility of solar energy solutions.

This surge reflects a strategic pivot by Chinese manufacturers toward emerging markets, especially as European demand wanes. Competitive pricing has made solar panels more affordable, enabling the adoption of off-grid solar solutions for households and businesses across Africa. Additionally, countries like Egypt, Morocco, Senegal, and Zambia are seeing increased investment in utility-scale solar projects, further promoting the continent’s renewable energy landscape.

However, despite these advancements, Africa’s overall renewable energy adoption remains low. As of 2023, solar and wind energy contributed only 6% to the continent’s electricity generation, falling short of the African Union’s 2030 target of 300 gigawatts of renewable capacity. Challenges such as limited financing, high project costs, and resistance to solar imports — exemplified by Nigeria’s short-lived proposal to ban solar imports — remain significant hurdles.

Initiatives like Mission 300 aim to mobilize climate finance to support Africa’s renewable energy ambitions. While progress is slow, the increase in solar panel imports signals a positive trend toward a sustainable energy future for the continent, fueled by enhanced Chinese-African cooperation and a mutual commitment to renewable energy development.