Niger’s Solar Surge: Powered by the Sun and Chinese Manufacturing

A pedestrian walks past solar panels for sale in Niamey on April 3, 2025. Solar energy is booming in Niger, one of the world's sunniest countries, with sales of increasingly cheap Chinese-made solar panels going up and new projects coming online. (Photo by BOUREIMA HAMA / AFP)

By Boureima Hama

Solar panels like the ones on the roof of Elhadj Abdou’s house are an increasingly common sight in Niger’s capital, which is often hit by power cuts.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.