Africa’s worsening electricity shortages and rising energy costs are driving a massive surge in demand for Chinese solar equipment, strengthening Beijing’s grip on one of the world’s fastest-growing renewable energy markets.
New Chinese customs data released on Wednesday showed exports of solar cells and panels to African countries climbed 83% year-on-year in April to 123,787 metric tons, up from 67,552 tons in the same period last year.
The sharp increase comes as governments, businesses and households across Africa increasingly turn to solar power to reduce dependence on unreliable national grids, expensive diesel generators and volatile fuel prices.
While shipments slowed from March’s record 209,474 tons, analysts say demand remains unusually strong even after China ended its export tax refund policy on April 1, a move widely expected to increase global solar equipment prices.
The March rush was largely driven by buyers worldwide scrambling to secure supplies before the policy change took effect.
