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China-Fueled Solar Revolution Accelerates Africa’s Renewable Energy Transformation

Energy and Utility

BusinessHonor - China-Driven Solar Boosts Africa’s Energy

Business Honor
02 October, 2025

Record solar imports from China are rapidly advancing Africa’s clean and affordable energy future.

Africa is experiencing a solar revolution, where Chinese-produced solar panels are transforming the energy sector on the continent at an incredibly fast pace. Between January and July 2025, Africa imported a historic 9,516 megawatts (MW) worth of solar panels, a considerable boost from 6,625MW between the same months last year, reports a new study by Oxford Economics. This rush reflects the increasing trend towards solar power in African nations, spurred by the desire for stable power and the economics of solar technology.

The increase in solar energy uptake is particularly pronounced in nations such as South Africa, Algeria, and Nigeria. These states are ramping up spending on megascale solar farms, with Chinese firms such as PowerChina leading the way. South Africa is constructing the 342MW De Aar Central Solar Power Plant, while Algeria is constructing vast solar farms within its deserts, including a 220MW facility in Biskra.

The explosive growth of solar energy is assisting in solving the African continent's urgent energy needs. Sub-Saharan Africa boasts the lowest power access in the world, with only 53.3% of its population enjoying steady power. Solar energy's falling prices and high scalability present a perfect solution to supply power to off-grid locations and cut dependence on conventional, volatile power sources.

The international decline in prices for solar panels, brought about by Chinese technological development and subsidies, has rendered solar the most affordable energy source. As Chinese manufacturers improve, the price of solar energy is likely to decline, hastening the shift to renewable energy in Africa.

While Africa continues to struggle with energy access issues, the growing tide of solar panels promises a future of hope. With over 20 African nations recording solar import milestones, the continent is poised to hugely increase its renewable energy capacity, setting the stage for a sustainable and energy-independent future.