Solar Energy: Algeria Becomes Second-Largest Power on the Continent

Africa is experiencing a profound solar energy revolution, largely fueled by an influx of Chinese-manufactured panels. According to the Global Electricity Review 2026, African imports of these panels saw a dramatic 48% increase in just one year, soaring from 12.7 GW in 2024 to 18.8 GW in 2025. This represents a colossal volume, equivalent to three times the capacity of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

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Les importations africaines de panneaux solaires chinois ont bondi de 48 % en un an, passant de 12,7 GW en 2024 à 18,8 GW en 2025.

Within this continental surge, Algeria stands out remarkably. With 2.1 GW of solar panels imported in 2025, Algeria has solidified its position as the second-largest market in Africa for Chinese solar technology, trailing only Egypt (2.3 GW, +130%) and surpassing other major economies like Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa. What is particularly striking is the speed of Algeria's ascent; its imports have multiplied sixfold in a single year, making it one of the fastest-growing solar markets across the entire continent.

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Avec 2,1 GW importés en 2025, elle s’affirme comme le deuxième marché africain de panneaux solaires chinois, derrière l’Égypte (2,3 GW, +130 %), et devant le Nigeria, la RD Congo et l’Afrique du Sud.

This rapid expansion in Algeria is part of a broader, unprecedented diversification of solar energy adoption across Africa. Fifteen African countries now import over 0.3 GW of solar panels each, with ten additional nations, including Morocco, Kenya, Senegal, Tunisia, and Cameroon, also crossing this threshold. This widespread enthusiasm demonstrates a growing commitment to solar power that extends far beyond the continent's major economic players.

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ses importations ont été multipliées par six en un an, faisant du pays l’un des marchés à la croissance la plus fulgurante sur l’ensemble du continent.

The driving force behind this massive influx of Chinese panels is China's aggressive pricing strategy. Facing trade barriers in American and European markets, China has redirected its exports to Africa, offering panels at prices 20-30% lower than those of its Asian competitors. This competitive pricing is the critical fuel accelerating Africa's solar transition. On a global scale, the Ember report highlights a historic shift: for the first time outside of a major economic crisis, global fossil fuel production stagnated in 2025, while solar and wind power accounted for all the growth in global electricity demand. Solar energy alone contributed 75% of this rise, with a record production of 2,778 TWh, a 30% increase, now representing 8.7% of the global electricity mix, surpassing wind power (8.5%) for the first time. The declining costs of batteries are further extending the availability of solar power beyond daylight hours, pushing fossil fuels out even during peak consumption periods. This renewable energy shift signifies a major geopolitical and energy turning point.

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Les panneaux chinois sont significativement moins chers que ceux des autres fournisseurs asiatiques.