Africa is increasingly becoming a major destination for Chinese solar module exports, even as demand in Latin America drops significantly in early 2026.
Figures from InfoLink Consulting show that Chinese exports of solar modules to Africa hit 2.70 gigawatts (GW) in January and February, marking a 42% rise compared to the same period last year. In contrast, shipments to Latin America plunged by 51%, pointing to a clear shift in global demand dynamics.
On a global scale, total Chinese solar module exports stood at 35.06 GW, reflecting a 9% year-on-year decline. Africa accounted for nearly 8% of these shipments, matching Latin America’s share but showing much stronger growth momentum.
Other regions also showed mixed performance. Europe remained the largest importer, with volumes increasing by 8% year-on-year to 14.16 GW, representing almost 40% of global demand. The Middle East recorded the fastest growth, surging 90% to 4.74 GW, while Asia-Pacific imports fell to 10.47 GW, still maintaining close to a 30% global share.
These contrasting trends underline Africa’s expanding importance in the global shift toward renewable energy, driven by rising electricity demand and ongoing investments in solar infrastructure across the continent.
Although Latin America’s imports dropped to 2.99 GW, Africa’s upward trajectory reflects growing investor confidence and stronger policy backing for solar energy deployment in several countries.
In the upstream segment of the industry, China’s solar cell exports climbed 44% year-on-year to 18.16 GW, with Asia-Pacific accounting for about 90% of total shipments. Africa, however, remains largely outside this manufacturing chain, serving mainly as a consumption market.
Overall, the figures indicate a gradual reshaping of global solar trade patterns, with Africa gaining influence as an import-driven market while demand elsewhere becomes more uneven.