Africa surges in Chinese solar imports as Latin America sees sharp 51% collapse in 2026
Africa is emerging as a key growth market for Chinese solar module exports, even as shipments to Latin America contract sharply at the start of 2026.
Black News 
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Africa is emerging as a key growth market for Chinese solar module exports, even as shipments to Latin America contract sharply at the start of 2026.
- Africa’s solar market is gaining momentum, with Chinese module exports to the region rising 42% in early 2026.
- This growth contrasts sharply with Latin America, where imports plunged 51% year-on-year.
- Globally, Chinese solar shipments declined slightly, but Africa maintained a rising share alongside Europe and the Middle East.
- The shift signals a rebalancing of global renewable energy demand toward emerging markets.
According to data from InfoLink Consulting, Chinese module exports to Africa reached 2.70 gigawatts (GW) in January and February, representing a 42% year-on-year increase. The growth contrasts with a steep 51% decline in exports to Latin America over the same period, underscoring a shift in global demand patterns.
Globally, Chinese solar module shipments totalled 35.06 GW, down 9% from a year earlier. Africa accounted for close to 8% of total exports, placing it on par with Latin America in market share, but with a markedly stronger growth trajectory.
Other regions also recorded gains as Europe remained the largest destination, with imports rising 8% year-on-year to 14.16 GW, accounting for nearly 40% of global demand. The Middle East posted the fastest expansion, with shipments surging 90% to 4.74 GW. Asia-Pacific imports declined to 10.47 GW, though the region still retained close to a 30% share of global volumes.
The divergence highlights Africa’s growing role in the global energy transition, particularly as countries across the continent accelerate investments in renewable energy infrastructure to address power deficits and rising demand.
While Latin America’s imports fell to 2.99 GW, Africa’s steady expansion signals increasing investor interest and policy support for solar deployment across several markets.
In the upstream segment, China’s solar cell exports rose 44% year-on-year to 18.16 GW, with Asia-Pacific dominating roughly 90% of shipments. Africa continues to have limited participation in this segment, reflecting its position as an end market rather than a manufacturing hub.
The data points to a rebalancing in global solar trade flows, with Africa gaining momentum as an import destination while other regions experience uneven demand trends.
