4 min
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Ibtissam El Assad

Morocco Emerges as a Solar Powerhouse with Record Imports and Bold Renewable Targets

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH:

Morocco Emerges as a Solar Powerhouse with Record Imports and Bold Renewable Targets


Record Imports Place Morocco Among Africa’s Leaders

Morocco has cemented its place as one of Africa’s leading solar importers, reinforcing its ambition to generate over half of its electricity from renewable sources by the end of the decade. A new report from energy tracker Ember revealed that the country imported 915 megawatts of Chinese solar panels in the 12 months to June 2025, making it the fourth-largest market on the continent behind South Africa, Nigeria, and Algeria.

South Africa remains Africa’s solar heavyweight, bringing in 3,784 megawatts over the same period. Nigeria followed with 1,721 megawatts, while Algeria imported 1,199. Other significant importers included Egypt with 854 megawatts, Tunisia with 655, and Senegal with 519, while smaller markets such as Mauritania and Niger recorded less than 50 megawatts each. In total, African imports surged 60 percent in a single year to reach 15,032 megawatts, with twenty countries setting new highs. The reliance on Chinese exports reflects the continent’s continued struggle to develop large-scale domestic production.

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(The Noor Ouarzazate Solar Complex in Morocco)

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Building Domestic Manufacturing Capacity

Despite this dependence, Morocco is emerging as a rare exception. Alongside South Africa, it has doubled its solar manufacturing capacity to nearly one gigawatt annually, joining a small group of countries beginning to scale local production. Egypt and Nigeria also maintain smaller factories, though output remains limited compared to the booming demand.


Ambitious Renewable Target and Investment Plans

Morocco’s energy transition extends far beyond imports and manufacturing. The government has set an ambitious goal of sourcing 52 percent of its electricity from renewables by 2030. At present, renewables provide about 20 percent of Morocco’s electricity, with total installed capacity standing at 5.4 gigawatts. To achieve its targets, Rabat plans to invest $3 billion in grid upgrades and an additional $40 billion in renewable energy and efficiency projects. Energy Minister Leila Benali stated that half of the planned funds will focus on new renewable generation, while the other half will prioritize expanding interconnections between Africa and Europe.

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A Continental Energy Challenge

This rapid acceleration comes against the backdrop of the continent’s broader energy crisis. The United Nations estimates that approximately 600 million Africans remain without reliable electricity, accounting for 80 percent of the global shortfall. While progress is evident in North Africa as well as parts of West and Southern Africa, regions such as Central Africa and the Sahel remain far behind. Continental initiatives, including Africa’s A2030 vision, aim to close this gap, with Morocco’s progress offering a model for how ambitious investment and strategic planning can move a nation toward renewable dominance.

Sahel remains far behind. Continental initiatives, including Africa’s A2030 vision, aim to close this gap, with Morocco’s progress offering a model for how ambitious investment and strategic planning can move a nation toward renewable dominance.

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