BEIJING, May 21 – China’s exports of solar panels and solar cells to Africa surged 83% year-on-year in April as demand for renewable energy infrastructure accelerated across the continent.
According to Chinese customs data reported by Reuters, shipments to African countries reached 123,787 metric tons in April 2026, compared with 67,552 tons during the same period a year earlier.
The data nevertheless showed a decline from March’s record 209,474 tons as global buyers slowed purchases following an earlier rush to secure shipments before changes to China’s export tax policies took effect.
The March spike was largely driven by importers accelerating orders ahead of Beijing’s decision to end its solar export tax refund policy from April 1, a move expected to increase export costs.
Despite the moderation from March levels, exports continued to show strong annual growth across multiple global markets.
Total global Chinese solar exports rose 60% year-on-year on a per-unit basis in April, reflecting continued expansion in global renewable energy investment.
Shipments to Southeast Asia also increased sharply, climbing 75% year-on-year to 170,733 tons, although volumes eased from March’s exceptionally high levels.
Within Africa, several countries recorded particularly strong growth in solar imports.
Democratic Republic of the Congo saw imports rise 482% year-on-year to 17,953 tons, while South Africa increased imports by 81.4%.
Nigeria has also emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing solar markets.
Recent data from energy think tank Ember showed Nigeria became Africa’s second-largest solar importer in 2025 as total African solar imports rose 60% year-on-year to 15,032 megawatts.
The strong growth highlights Africa’s expanding role in global renewable energy demand as governments, utilities and private companies accelerate investments in electrification, off-grid power systems and utility-scale solar projects.
European markets continued to dominate overall import volumes, with the Netherlands remaining the world’s largest importer by volume and a key distribution hub for the European market.
The Netherlands imported 177,391 tons in April, although volumes declined slightly year-on-year.
The data underscores how China continues to dominate global solar manufacturing and exports even as countries diversify supply chains and accelerate renewable energy transitions.
