South Africa is still the solar king, but its crown is slipping

• South Africa is no longer the dominant importer of solar panels in Africa, with its share falling from 52% in 2023 to 20% in the latest period.
• The rapid adoption of solar power in Africa is driven by falling costs, with the continent expected to install a record 17 gigawatts of solar power in 2026.
• The shift towards distributed solar energy is disrupting traditional grid expansion plans, with experts warning of a 'chaotic and disruptive' transition that could leave many countries struggling to provide electricity to their populations.