Nigeria’s Solar Industry Records 150% Capacity Growth, Begins Exports to Ghana

Nigeria’s domestic solar manufacturing sector has seen a remarkable overhaul over the past two years. Installed capacity has climbed from 120 megawatts to 300 megawatts – a 150% jump that cements the country’s position as West Africa’s leading renewable energy powerhouse.

Fueled by policy reforms under President Bola Tinubu, the surge marks a strategic pivot away from reliance on imports and toward regional export dominance. Locally produced solar panels are already being shipped to Ghana.

The milestone was announced by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) during an April 22, 2026 webinar hosted by the African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers (AJERAP).

Imports of solar cells and components hit 837 megawatts last year – surpassing the combined total of 375 megawatts imported over all prior years. This highlights a clear trend: manufacturers are now assembling products locally rather than bringing in finished goods.

This progress underscores a coordinated policy push aimed at attracting private investment and reinforcing market confidence.

Full story on Further Africa.