Nigeria exports N85.79 billion solar panels in Q1 2026, targets regional renewable energy leadership
By Aboki Forex —
Nigeria exported solar panels worth N85.79 billion in the first quarter of 2026, sending shipments to the United States and several African countries. The export figure marks a significant step in the country's push to become a renewable energy supplier rather than just a consumer.
Top buyers: US, Burkina Faso, India, Indonesia, Ghana
Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Foreign Trade Report for Q1 2026 shows that solar panels classified as photovoltaic cells assembled in modules or made into panels were exported to the United States, Burkina Faso, India, Indonesia, and Ghana. The United States was the largest buyer, importing solar panels valued at N34.23 billion. Burkina Faso followed with N20.40 billion, India imported N13.85 billion, Indonesia took N12.71 billion, and Ghana purchased N2.96 billion worth of panels.
Government support and World Bank funding drive growth
Industry stakeholders attribute the export growth to increased government support for local renewable energy manufacturing through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). A major boost came from the $300 million Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) programme funded by the World Bank. Through partnerships with financial institutions such as FCMB, Lotus Bank, and InfraCorp, the initiative has provided grants, affordable financing, and offtake arrangements to companies in Nigeria’s renewable energy value chain.
Last month, the REA announced plans to invest approximately $425 million in eight new renewable energy manufacturing facilities. This follows a jump in solar panel production capacity from 120 megawatts two years ago to 300 megawatts.
REA: Nigeria transitioning from consumer to regional supplier
Speaking during a webinar organised by the African Association of Energy Journalists and Publishers (AJERAP), REA Managing Director Abba Aliyu described the progress as a result of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Nigeria First policy. He said imports of solar cells and components for local assembly reached 837MW in 2025, more than double the combined 375MW imported in all previous years. Component imports now exceed imports of finished solar products, reflecting growing local manufacturing capacity.
Aliyu noted that the $425 million investment, supported by commitments secured during the Nigeria Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025, is building a complete ecosystem covering manufacturing, financing, and deployment of renewable energy technologies. He revealed that solar panels made in Nigeria are already being exported from Lagos to Accra, Ghana.
“We are transitioning from a renewable energy consumer to a regional supplier,” he said, adding that solar projects in border communities could support future cross-border electricity trade. He disclosed that several African countries, including Mozambique, Benin Republic, Burkina Faso, Niger, Chad, Mauritania, and Mauritius, are seeking guidance from the REA as they pursue similar renewable energy development strategies.
Despite exports, Nigeria still imports heavily
Despite the export milestone, Nigeria imported N435.52 billion worth of solar panels in 2025, showing that domestic production still lags behind demand. However, the shift toward local assembly and manufacturing is narrowing the gap.
Related: FEC approves N68.7 billion for electricity projects in universities
In a related development, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved N68.7 billion for key electricity projects in universities and teaching hospitals across Nigeria. Authorities said the projects reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring a steady electricity supply in vital sectors such as education and healthcare. The university project involves engineering, procurement, and construction under the Energising Education Programme, led by the REA.