Policy tracker: Rising imports drive localisation

From the newsletter

Renewables Rising noted policy developments across five countries in November, a slowdown from activity seen in October. South Africa, Algeria, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Ghana all recorded policy changes. Algeria is looking to promote local manufacturing by reducing customs duties on products used in the production of solar panels.

• Algeria has recorded one of the largest increases in solar imports from China, growing almost fivefold compared to 2024. It now ranks third, with 1.6 GW imported in the last ten months, just behind South Africa and Egypt.

• In September, the government welcomed Chinese glassmaker Kibing Group to build a solar glass plant using local silica sand. These policy shifts signal an effort to replace rising imports with local production.

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