Solar imports from China hit a new record

October 30, 2025

Dear Subscriber,

You might think that China’s solar export data tells Africa’s energy transition story best. But the next chapter could be co-written by Arab investors. Great weekend ahead!

–Sammy Jamar, Editor

Africa has once again broken its solar import record — for the fourth consecutive year. New data from Ember, the think tank, shows the continent imported 13.2 GW of solar modules from China in the nine months to September, surpassing the 12.7 GW set in 2024. This is the continuation of a remarkable solar boom that has reshaped the continent's energy transition.

  • South Africa remains the largest buyer, having imported 2.48 GW, but its dominance is declining as other countries emerge as new growth hubs. 

  • A recent proposal by China to impose production cuts and withdraw its 13% export VAT rebate, scheduled to take effect this quarter, is expected to increase prices and may slow the current growth trajectory.

  • Our take: With China’s new policies taking effect, solar import demand may slow down but it will not reverse… Read more (2 min)

Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power has signed agreements worth more than $1.45 billion with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the OPEC Fund to advance clean energy, water and storage projects across Africa. The colossal sum puts the company in a strong position to compete with regional rivals such as Masdar and AMEA Power.

  • Renewables have moved beyond plain vanilla, with one in three new solar projects now hybrid. This ups the need for capital yet again.

  • The policy landscape has also evolved to become more investor-friendly. Countries are unbundling power markets and allowing private-sector participation, a move expected to attract significant investment.

  • Our take: Funding from the IFC gives ACWA a competitive edge… Read more (2 min)

Utility-scale solar and wind companies lead this week’s hiring picture. Notable firms are  Scatec Solar (12 roles), Mulilo (9), Globeleq (7), and Grid Africa (3). Expertise is needed in technical, operations, maintenance, and project management. South Africa remains a hotspot for major projects, but Tunisia is gaining momentum in hiring professionals.

  • 180+ new renewable energy jobs were posted this week. Sun King tops hiring with 22 positions focusing on sales and regional management.

  • Sales teams remain central, especially for off-grid firms like M-Kopa and Sun King. They drive customer acquisition and distribution, making them essential to expanding electricity access.

  • Get the full list of jobs here…(2 min)

CrossBoundary Energy and Ampersand Energy launch a solar-powered battery charging station in Kenya (Source: CrossBoundary)

Events

🗓️ Take part in the Powerelec Kenya 2025 event (Nov 11)

🗓️ Sign up for the West African Clean Energy & Environment Trade Fair (Nov 11)

🗓️ Join the Africa Energy Expo 2025 (Nov 25)

🗓️ Attend Impact Investing & Sustainable Finance Summit & Expo 2025 (Nov 27)

Various

🤝 Egypt partners with Eni to convert farm waste into bioenergy

💵 Mauritania’s first utility-scale battery plant gets funding 

🟢 The World Bank and partners train African renewable energy experts

💡 Uganda opens tender for solar installation and upkeep in 172 health centres

Seen on LinkedIn 

John Nyawa, Access to Capital Associate at Africa Minigrid Developers Association (AMDA), says, “Data-driven energy planning decisions and policy development by integrating technical analysis with political and economic realities is key to improving energy access across sub-Saharan Africa.”