Nigeria has become Africa’s second-largest importer of solar products, according to the latest update from the Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report: Semi-Annual Sales and Impact Data. The report reveals that Nigeria imported 1.5 million units between July and December 2023, accounting for 12% of Africa’s total imports. This surge in imports aligns with a broader trend of growth across the African continent, as highlighted in Africa’s Solar Boom: A Powerful Shift Toward Energy Independence.
Nigeria Solar Imports and Market Growth
The significant increase in solar imports reflects Nigeria’s growing commitment to renewable energy and addressing the country’s pressing energy needs. The adoption of solar energy is gaining momentum, driven by concerted efforts to improve access to electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. This is particularly crucial given that Nigeria has the second-largest population without electricity in Africa, after the Democratic Republic of Congo, where mini-grids are emerging as a key solution, as discussed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
The Global Off-Grid Solar Market Report, co-authored by the World Bank, GOGLA, and Lighting Global, is the most comprehensive publication on the off-grid solar industry. It is based on sales and impact data provided by GOGLA, Lighting Global affiliated companies, and the World Bank.
Nigeria Solar Imports and the Off-Grid Market
The off-grid solar market in Nigeria is experiencing rapid growth, fueled by increasing demand for clean and affordable energy solutions. The report highlights that the off-grid solar sector has made significant contributions to expanding access to electricity, improving quality of life, and stimulating economic growth. Furthermore, the report points out that the off-grid solar market has created jobs, improved living conditions, and provided affordable energy solutions for millions of households. As more Nigerians embrace solar energy, the country is expected to continue its progress toward achieving universal access to electricity.
In the second half of 2023, global sales of off-grid solar products rose to 9.9 million units, a 7% increase from the first half of the year. This increase was driven by a significant rise in sales in sub-Saharan Africa, which accounted for 5.3 million units or 53% of the global total.
Nigeria Solar Imports within the African Market
Nigeria imported 1.5 million solar products, representing 12% of total imports and 28% of imports from sub-Saharan Africa. The region saw a 30% increase in sales of solar home systems, with 1 million units sold, and a 23% increase in multi-light and solar home systems, totaling 3.1 million units. This growth is attributed to dwindling stocks from earlier sales spikes and the consistently increasing demand for solar energy.
The report noted that West Africa experienced a 26% increase in sales of solar home systems, with Nigeria, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire leading the region. Nigeria accounted for 28% of total imports, while Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire contributed 19% each. Sales of multi-light and solar home systems reached 3.1 million units, marking a 23% increase from the previous half-year. East Africa accounted for 47% of these sales, followed by West Africa at 32% and South Asia at 15%.
A Positive Outlook for Nigeria Solar Imports
Nigeria’s ranking as the second-largest importer of solar products in Africa underscores the country’s growing commitment to renewable energy. The off-grid solar sector is playing a crucial role in expanding access to electricity, improving quality of life, and stimulating economic growth. With continued investment and support, Nigeria is on track to achieve universal access to electricity, contributing to a more sustainable and resilient energy future. As the country embraces solar energy, it is expected to lead the way in Africa’s transition to clean and affordable energy solutions.
