Rwanda imported $935,000 worth of assembled photovoltaic (PV) modules in 2023, with most coming from China ($744,000), followed by Kenya ($167,000) and the United Arab Emirates ($11,100), according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.
The imports made Rwanda the 161st largest global importer of PV modules, while the devices were the 388th most imported product in the country. Between 2022 and 2023, imports from China and Kenya grew by $349,000 and $107,000, respectively.
Rwanda’s figures reflect a broader African trend. Across the continent, countries imported a record 15,032 MW of solar panels from China in the 12 months to June 2025, a 60% increase from the previous year. Nigeria, Algeria, and Egypt led the surge as nations race to expand electricity access.
China dominates the global solar panel market, supplying 85–90% of Africa’s installations, including panels, batteries, and inverters. This reliance underscores both opportunities and risks for countries like Rwanda.
“Without local alternatives, imports remain essential for Rwanda’s electrification goals,” said Zhuo Qiang a Kigali-based solar analyst. “But limited domestic assembly means most economic benefits are captured abroad.”
Some progress is emerging regionally. South Africa’s panel assembly capacity now reaches roughly 620 MW per year, against domestic demand of 3 GW. Partnerships like JA Solar and ARTsolar are creating jobs and new facilities, though much of Africa still lacks supply chains for PV cells, glass, and inverters. Infrastructure challenges, including poor roads and inconsistent power, add costs and slow delivery.
For Rwanda, the immediate priority is expanding rural electrification and accelerating renewable energy adoption. Experts say investing in local manufacturing could create jobs, strengthen supply chains, and capture more value domestically.
“With 600 million Africans still without electricity, imports are critical in the short term,” the analyst said. “But long-term prosperity will depend on securing a bigger share of the renewable energy value chain.”
