Africa wants more homegrown solar to boost self-reliance, but China’s shadow remains
Summary
Several of Africa’s biggest economies, including Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria, are working to build more local factories to make solar power equipment. This effort aims to reduce reliance on imports from China, which currently dominates the global solar market. Despite this, China is expected to stay a major supplier due to excess solar manufacturing capacity at home.Key Facts
- African countries are increasing their own solar panel and equipment manufacturing to become more self-reliant.
- Ethiopia, South Africa, Morocco, and Nigeria are leading this push for local solar production.
- China currently exports most of the solar equipment used in Africa and has a large oversupply of solar products.
- Chinese investment in renewable energy projects in Africa totaled $66 billion between 2010 and 2024.
- South Africa plans a large 1-gigawatt solar manufacturing plant to meet growing solar power demand.
- Nigeria’s solar assembly capacity has grown from 120 megawatts to about 300 megawatts in two years.
- Growing rooftop and off-grid solar systems in Africa are changing electricity use and market needs.
- South Africa is the largest importer of solar equipment in Africa, bringing in over 3 gigawatts a year, mostly from China.
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