Nigeria emerges Africa’s second-largest solar importer despite FG’s plan to ban panels

Nigeria has emerged as Africa's second-largest solar importer, surpassing Egypt and trailing South Africa, according to data from energy think tank Ember. In the 12 months leading up to June 2025, Nigeria imported a record number of megawatts of solar panels, marking a significant surge in the renewable energy market.

Solar imports across Africa rose by 60%, with 20 countries setting new import records. While South Africa remains a key player, smaller economies like Algeria, Zambia, Botswana, and Sudan have also recorded exponential growth rates in solar imports.

The recent surge in solar imports could greatly enhance electricity supply in several African countries, with Sierra Leone potentially generating power equal to 61% of its 2023 output. Despite Nigeria's significant gains in solar imports, the country still lags behind in solar energy compared to petroleum imports.

The Nigerian government's plan to ban solar panel imports in favor of boosting local production has raised concerns among industry experts, who fear it could worsen the.