Africa is experiencing a record-breaking surge in solar adoption, with imports of Chinese panels hitting unprecedented highs across the continent. But while countries like Algeria, South Africa, and Kenya accelerate clean energy deployment, Nigeria, the continent’s most populous nation and one of its biggest energy consumers, risks being left behind. The government’s plan to ban solar panel imports has sparked concerns that Africa’s solar boom may bypass Nigeria altogether.
In May 2025 alone, African countries imported more than 1.57 gigawatts (GW) of solar panels from China, marking one of the largest monthly shipments to the continent. Algeria led the charge, recording a staggering 6,300% year-on-year increase in solar imports. These imports are not only powering large utility-scale projects but also providing cheaper options for rooftop installations, mini-grids, and off-grid systems that are transforming energy access across Sub-Saharan Africa.
For most African nations, the falling cost of Chinese-made solar technology has been a game-changer, offering a faster and more affordable path to electrification compared to traditional fossil fuel infrastructure. This has helped accelerate the shift toward renewable energy while reducing reliance on diesel generators and expensive fuel imports.
Nigeria’s Import Ban Proposal
In stark contrast to this momentum, Nigeria’s Ministry of Science and Technology announced in March 2025 plans to ban the importation of solar panels. The policy, framed under Executive Order No. 5, aims to boost local manufacturing, conserve foreign exchange, and create jobs in the renewable energy sector.
Minister Uche Nnaji argued that Nigeria must reduce its dependency on foreign technology:
“We cannot continue to depend entirely on imports if we want to build a resilient energy economy. The solar sector must be domesticated.”
While the ambition to foster industrialization is laudable, critics say the timing and lack of preparedness could prove disastrous for a sector still reliant on imports for up to 90% of its components.
Why Experts Are Alarmed
Energy experts, business leaders, and civil society organizations warn that the proposed ban could have unintended consequences.
- Limited Local Capacity
Nigeria’s local solar assembly capacity stands at less than 20 megawatts (MW) per year, far below the country’s projected demand of 10 gigawatts (GW) by 2030. In contrast, countries like South Africa already operate larger assembly plants and still rely on imports to bridge supply gaps. - Rising Costs for Consumers
Analysts predict that if imports are halted abruptly, solar installation costs could rise by 40% to 150%. This would price out millions of households and small businesses that have increasingly turned to solar to escape Nigeria’s unreliable national grid and high diesel costs. - Threat to Energy Access Goals
Nigeria has one of the world’s largest populations without access to electricity, about 86 million people remain unconnected. The ban risks slowing down rural electrification efforts where off-grid solar has been a lifeline. - Policy Contradictions
Ironically, Nigeria signed a 2,600 MW solar procurement deal with LONGi Solar France just days after floating the ban. Critics see this as evidence of inconsistent policymaking that could deter investors.
Africa’s Boom vs. Nigeria’s Bottleneck
| Indicator | Africa’s Solar Boom | Nigeria’s Struggles |
| Imports | Record 1.57 GW from China in May 2025 | Proposing import ban |
| Installed Capacity | Growing rapidly, esp. Algeria, Egypt, South Africa | 144 MW by 2024 (up from 102 MW in 2022) |
| Policy Climate | Encourages imports to accelerate deployment | Protectionist policies with weak local base |
| Energy Access | Off-grid solar transforming rural areas | 86M still lack electricity |
The contrast is stark. While the rest of Africa leverages cheap imports to expand energy access, Nigeria risks isolating itself from the global solar supply chain.
Public and Industry Reactions
Industry associations such as the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN), the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE), and international firms like PwC have all urged caution. They recommend a phased approach, gradually incentivizing local production while still allowing imports until capacity is built.
On social media, many Nigerians expressed frustration, calling the proposed ban a “policy misfire.” One industry observer on Reddit noted:
“Without a strong local supply chain, this move will just drive up costs and slow down solar adoption exactly when Nigeria needs it the most.”
Others argue that the government should prioritize creating an enabling environment, through tax breaks, stable regulations, and infrastructure investment, rather than shutting out imports prematurely.
Nigeria’s energy crisis is well-documented. With grid electricity available for less than 12 hours a day in many regions and diesel prices soaring, solar has become the most viable alternative for households and businesses. Already, demand for solar home systems, mini-grids, and hybrid solutions has surged.
If the government enforces a sudden ban, Nigeria could not only slow adoption but also widen the gap with neighbors like Ghana, Kenya, and South Africa, who are rapidly integrating solar into their energy mix.
Also read: Africa’s Solar Imports Hit 15 GW in a Year Driving Energy Transformation
Experts suggest several strategies to ensure Nigeria doesn’t miss Africa’s solar boom:
- Phased Implementation: Introduce gradual tariffs or quotas on imports rather than an outright ban.
- Incentivize Local Production: Provide subsidies, tax relief, and infrastructure support to solar manufacturers.
- Build Human Capital: Invest in training programs to develop a skilled workforce for the renewable energy sector.
- Stable Policy Environment: Consistency and transparency are key to attracting investment and building trust in the market.
- Balance Short and Long Term: Allow imports to meet immediate demand while laying the groundwork for local manufacturing.