Solar panel imports are surging across Africa, but the global shift away from fossil fuels remains too slow. Meanwhile, Australian environmental groups unite behind ten principles to protect native forests, and a tiny wallaby makes a rare appearance.

African countries buying into solar

It’s difficult to know whether this story provides evidence that African countries are getting serious about installing solar energy or that their energy systems are so woefully underdeveloped because wealthy developed nations (most of which pillaged human, natural and financial resources from the continent during the last five centuries) have done little to help them take advantage of the rapid developments in renewable energy technologies. Both probably.

First the good news. Imports of solar panels to Africa from China (which produces 80 per cent of the world’s solar panels) have been increasing rapidly in recent years, with a 60 per cent increase in the 12 months to June 2025.

South Africa, Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt imported the most solar panel capacity but 27 countries set new records for their panel imports. It seems likely that most of the solar panels will be installed on the rooves of homes, shops, offices, factories and government buildings rather than in utility-scale facilities.

Twenty-five countries imported panels with electricity generating capacity of 100 MW or more. This will provide a considerable boost to electricity generation in many countries – over 10 per cent of current capacity in seven countries. Diesel imports will also be reduced and the savings can repay the cost of the solar panels in around six months (and improve people’s health).

Total solar panel imports to Africa in the year to June 2025 amounted to 15,000 MW.

The panels may not be put to immediate use. They may be put into storage or even re-exported.

With solar energy currently providing about 3 per cent of Africa’s electricity (and wind around 1 per........

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