Africa: Market for Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes 2025

Market Size for Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes in Africa

The African market for solar cells and light-emitting diodes dropped to $X in 2022, shrinking by -7.6% against the previous year. The total consumption indicated a tangible increase from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +3.1% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, consumption increased by +4.8% against 2020 indices. The level of consumption peaked at $X in 2021, and then fell in the following year.

Production of Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes in Africa

In value terms, solar cells and light-emitting diodes production expanded slightly to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production, however, saw a deep reduction. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 with an increase of 18% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, production stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports of Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes

Exports in Africa

In 2022, approx. X units of solar cells and light-emitting diodes were exported in Africa; shrinking by -25.9% against 2021. In general, exports, however, recorded a modest increase. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 with an increase of 298%. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X units in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, solar cells and light-emitting diodes exports declined to $X in 2022. Overall, exports recorded a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when exports increased by 63%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Exports by Country

South Africa was the key exporter of solar cells and light-emitting diodes in Africa, with the volume of exports accounting for X units, which was approx. 62% of total exports in 2022. It was distantly followed by Tunisia (X units) and Morocco (X units), together committing a 29% share of total exports. The following exporters - Kenya (X units) and Namibia (X units) - each resulted at a 3.3% share of total exports.

Exports from South Africa decreased at an average annual rate of -1.6% from 2012 to 2022. At the same time, Tunisia (+98.5%), Morocco (+9.9%), Namibia (+9.9%) and Kenya (+3.7%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Tunisia emerged as the fastest-growing exporter exported in Africa, with a CAGR of +98.5% from 2012-2022. Tunisia (+14 p.p.) and Morocco (+7.7 p.p.) significantly strengthened its position in terms of the total exports, while South Africa saw its share reduced by -24.3% from 2012 to 2022, respectively. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, South Africa ($X) remains the largest solar cells and light-emitting diodes supplier in Africa, comprising 47% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by Tunisia ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Morocco, with a 7.5% share.

In South Africa, solar cells and light-emitting diodes exports shrank by an average annual rate of -16.9% over the period from 2012-2022. The remaining exporting countries recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: Tunisia (+58.2% per year) and Morocco (-0.5% per year).

Export Prices by Country

In 2022, the export price in Africa amounted to $X per unit, surging by 24% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the export price, however, faced a abrupt shrinkage. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2019 an increase of 40%. Over the period under review, the export prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major exporting countries. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Namibia ($X per unit), while Morocco ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Namibia (+5.1%), while the other leaders experienced mixed trends in the export price figures.

Imports of Solar Cells and Light-Emitting Diodes

Imports in Africa

In 2022, approx. X units of solar cells and light-emitting diodes were imported in Africa; waning by -14.5% against 2021. In general, imports, however, continue to indicate a significant increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 168%. As a result, imports attained the peak of X units. From 2019 to 2022, the growth of imports remained at a lower figure.

In value terms, solar cells and light-emitting diodes imports expanded sharply to $X in 2022. Overall, imports, however, enjoyed a remarkable increase. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2013 with an increase of 174%. Over the period under review, imports hit record highs in 2022 and are expected to retain growth in years to come.

Imports by Country

In 2022, South Africa (X units), distantly followed by Egypt (X units) and Nigeria (X units) were the main importers of solar cells and light-emitting diodes, together committing 63% of total imports. Zimbabwe (X units), Burkina Faso (X units), Tunisia (X units), Uganda (X units), Democratic Republic of the Congo (X units), Tanzania (X units), Namibia (X units) and Kenya (X units) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Egypt (with a CAGR of +61.3%), while purchases for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, Egypt ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported solar cells and light-emitting diodes in Africa, comprising 50% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was held by South Africa ($X), with an 18% share of total imports. It was followed by Kenya, with a 4.3% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in Egypt totaled +63.8%. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: South Africa (+15.7% per year) and Kenya (+13.0% per year).

Import Prices by Country

In 2022, the import price in Africa amounted to $X per unit, with an increase of 33% against the previous year. Overall, the import price, however, recorded a pronounced reduction. Over the period under review, import prices hit record highs at $X per unit in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

Prices varied noticeably by country of destination: amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Egypt ($X per unit), while Democratic Republic of the Congo ($X per unit) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Kenya (+5.2%), while the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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