Chinese solar exports to Africa rise 83 percent in April

Chinese solar exports to Africa increased 83 percent year-on-year in April, according to data reported by Semafor. The rise comes as higher oil prices linked to the Strait of Hormuz blockade have increased interest in alternative energy sources across the continent.

South Africa, the largest buyer of solar cells and panels from China in the region, recorded an 81 percent increase in purchases last month compared with the same period a year earlier. A sustained oversupply of solar panels in China has contributed to lower prices for equipment in recent years.

Africa possesses roughly 60 percent of the world's solar energy potential yet accounts for about 1 percent of global solar power generation. An estimated 600 million people on the continent still lack access to electricity. The ongoing Strait of Hormuz blockade has raised oil prices and highlighted reliance on imported fossil fuels in several African countries.

Beijing has increased focus on African markets as part of efforts to expand solar equipment sales.