Nigeria has emerged as Africa’s second-largest solar importer after a record surge in solar panel shipments across the continent, according to new data from energy think tank Ember.
In the 12 months to June 2025, Nigeria imported 1,721 MW of solar panels, overtaking Egypt and trailing only South Africa.
Across Africa, solar imports rose 60% year-on-year to reach 15,032 MW, compared to 9,379 MW in the previous 12 months.
The continent’s solar uptake is broadening, with 20 countries setting new import records and 25 countries importing at least 100 MW, up from 15 a year earlier.
According to the report, while South Africa led Africa’s solar push during its 2023 power crisis, the latest wave of imports has been driven by other countries.
If fully installed, Ember estimates these imports could significantly boost electricity supply in many African countries.
In Sierra Leone, recent imports alone could generate electricity equal to 61% of its 2023 output, while Chad could see a 49% increase.
Despite the surge, solar panels remain small compared to petroleum imports. Ember’s analysis shows that in nine of Africa’s top 10 solar importers, refined petroleum imports outweighed solar by a factor of 30 to 107 times.
In Nigeria, this highlights how much ground renewables must cover before reshaping the country’s import bill and energy mix.
Chief Analyst at Ember, Dave Jones, called the surge in solar adoption across Africa a “pivotal moment” but warned that more research is needed to track its long-term impact.
“This surge is still in its early days. Change happens quickly. The first evidence is here, but much more research and reporting are needed to understand the rapid rise in solar across Africa,” he said.
The report on solar import comes amid an ongoing debate over Nigeria’s plans to ban importation of solar panels.