Ember, a UK-based energy think tank, reported that solar panel imports into Africa rose 60% in the last 12 months, totaling 15,032 MW from China. Imports outside South Africa nearly tripled over two years from 3,734 MW to 11,248 MW. Twenty countries set new records for solar imports, while 25 countries imported more than 100 MW compared to 15 a year earlier. In Sierra Leone, imports equaled 61% of 2023 electricity generation, and in 16 countries panels could add over 5% to supply. The surge was expected to lower fuel imports, with costs in Nigeria estimated to be recovered within six months. Ember stated that growth was mainly driven by distributed solar, though further local research was required to monitor progress.