Africa’s Solar Surge Is A Transformative Moment for Clean Energy
- koketso101
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
The African continent is entering a new era of clean energy. According to fresh research by Ember, solar panel imports into the continent jumped by 60% in the 12 months to June 2025, reaching more than 15,000 MW. This marks the strongest sign yet that solar power is no longer just an alternative, it is rapidly becoming a mainstream source of energy across Africa.
The numbers are striking. Twenty African countries broke their previous records for solar imports, while 25 countries brought in at least 100 MW, up from just 15 the year before. The surge is not limited to the big players, smaller and emerging markets are seeing exponential growth. Algeria’s imports grew 33 times, Zambia’s increased eightfold, Botswana’s sevenfold, and Sudan’s sixfold. Countries such as Liberia, Angola, Ethiopia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo also more than tripled their imports.
While South Africa remains the largest importer at 3,784 MW, Nigeria has now overtaken Egypt to claim second place with 1,721 MW. Algeria follows closely behind in third with 1,199 MW. These shifts highlight how diverse and widespread solar adoption has become across the continent.
The appeal of solar in Africa is simple, it is affordable, clean, and increasingly accessible. In Nigeria, for instance, a 420-watt panel costs about ($60) R1000 and produces around 550 kWh of electricity per year. The same amount of power from diesel would cost twice as much, meaning solar panels can pay for themselves in as little as six months.
This economic case is matched by social impact. In countries such as Sierra Leone and Chad, the volume of panels imported could generate up to half of their annual electricity needs if fully installed. Sixteen countries across the continent could increase their electricity supply by at least 5%, a significant boost in regions where energy access remains limited.
Much of the growth is not just from utility-scale projects but from distributed solar systems, the small rooftop and off-grid installations that power homes, schools, clinics, and small businesses. This shift is transforming rural and underserved communities, offering reliable electricity where grid connections are unreliable or non-existent.
Solar power is helping communities leapfrog traditional infrastructure barriers. Instead of waiting for grid extension projects that often take years, families and enterprises are adopting solar solutions that deliver immediate and sustainable benefits.
Despite the progress, Africa still relies heavily on imports. More than 80% of the world’s solar panels are made in China, and while countries such as South Africa, Morocco, and Egypt are beginning to develop local manufacturing and assembly capabilities, these remain limited. Projects like EliTe Solar’s planned 3 GW factory in Egypt and Ethiopia’s growing production capacity signal promising steps toward reducing dependency and creating local value chains.
For organisations like Nepoworx, this moment represents a unique opportunity. The surge in solar adoption calls for skilled installers, reliable maintenance services, and innovative financing models that make solar affordable for households and businesses. Local training, enterprise development, and capacity building will be key to ensuring that the benefits of this boom are felt not only in energy access but also in job creation and economic empowerment.
This solar boom is more than a passing trend, it is the start of a fundamental transformation in how the continent powers itself. By combining affordability, accessibility, and sustainability, solar energy is proving to be a game-changer.
For Nepoworx, this is the time to lead the way, helping communities and businesses harness the sun to unlock new opportunities. With record imports, rapid payback periods, and growing demand for distributed energy solutions, the dawn of Africa’s solar age has arrived.
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