By Senior Editor, China Africa News
Nairobi, February 6, 2026 — New findings reveal that Africa’s solar energy landscape is dramatically expanding, far beyond what official figures have captured with Chinese solar panel exports playing a central role in that shift. According to a recent report by the Africa Solar Industry Association (AFSIA), export data shows that by the end of 2025, an estimated 63.9 gigawatts peak (GWp) of solar modules had been shipped to African nations, nearly three times more than the 23.4 GWp operational capacity documented in official records. This suggests that solar power may be much more widespread across the continent than previously estimated.
The China Daily reported analysis highlights how China the world’s dominant supplier of solar modules is driving this surge. The flood of Chinese-manufactured panels has not only supplied utility-scale projects but also helped boost smaller commercial, industrial, and residential installations across multiple African countries.
John van Zuylen, CEO of AFSIA, told China Daily that China has been instrumental in expanding Africa’s solar market by delivering affordable, efficient solar solutions that are increasingly sought after across the continent. He noted that Chinese firms are not just exporting panels but are also investing in local manufacturing facilities in countries like Nigeria, South Africa and Ethiopia, responding to rising demand that makes localized production commercially viable.
Van Zuylen emphasized that the continent’s solar growth isn’t limited to a few markets, with 32 African countries now able to generate more than 10 percent of their electricity from solar power when imported Chinese panels are considered. In at least 13 nations, solar power accounts for more than 10 percent of all electricity generation, a shift that pushes countries such as the Central African Republic, Mali and Comoros into the ranks of Africa’s top solar producers by share.
The energy transition is also attracting international investment and global manufacturers to Africa, drawn by robust solar growth. Battery energy storage systems crucial for overcoming the intermittent nature of solar are spreading rapidly, allowing solar plants to provide dispatchable, round-the-clock power. In many countries that depend heavily on imported fossil fuels, solar plus storage is already cheaper than traditional generation, especially diesel.
These developments align with complementary industry data showing that imports of Chinese solar panels into Africa surged about 60 percent in the year leading up to mid-2025, with around 15 GW of capacity shipped to African buyers, according to analysis from climate think tanks. South Africa remained the largest importer, followed by markets like Nigeria and Algeria.
Energy analysts say the influx of Chinese-made solar technology has significantly lowered costs and broadened access across the continent, reshaping power systems that historically relied on fossil fuels and grid extension projects. Observers note that this trend, coupled with falling prices for solar and storage technologies, could help accelerate Africa’s transition to cleaner, more resilient energy systems in the years ahead.
