The solar industry in the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa is showing strong potential to emerge as a global supply chain hub, and recent developments suggest that the region could become a key replacement for Southeast Asia in solar manufacturing. According to Sinovoltaics’ latest report, the focus is on building full vertical integration by setting up manufacturing capacities across modules, cells, wafers, ingots, and polysilicon. This is being driven by both government support and local content requirements, as countries in the region seek to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers while creating jobs and strengthening their clean energy transition. The region’s geographic proximity to Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa provides it with an additional advantage by making it possible to serve both local and neighboring markets.
The report points out that many economies, including those in the Middle East and Africa, have learned lessons from challenges faced in Europe, India, and North America, which do not yet have sufficient polysilicon, wafer, or cell manufacturing capacity. By building capabilities now, these regions are setting themselves up as potential exporters of solar modules and related materials. For example, depending on tariff structures in the United States, the Middle East and Africa could even become a viable export partner if U.S. tariffs remain favorable. However, challenges remain, particularly in the form of grid infrastructure limitations and possible supply chain disruptions. Despite this, the overall ambition is significant, with projections indicating that by 2030 the region could achieve 62.12 GW of solar module manufacturing, 52.55 GW of cell production, 45 GW of polysilicon capacity, and 290,000 tons of metallurgical-grade silicon.
The growth of solar manufacturing capacity in the region is largely backed by Chinese investments and technology, which continues to play a central role in global solar supply chains. While much of the ownership and financing may be international, the benefits for local economies are clear. The creation of large-scale manufacturing hubs will generate employment opportunities and stimulate related industries. In addition, the long-term environmental benefit of reducing reliance on fossil fuels aligns with both global sustainability goals and the urgent need for cleaner energy transitions across these regions.
The report also highlights that the solar supply chain maps produced by Sinovoltaics are updated regularly to capture new factories, expansions, and investments across the regions. These maps provide stakeholders with an updated view of the manufacturing ecosystem and help track the rapid progress being made. The insights are aimed at helping procurement teams, investors, and project developers understand where future supplies will come from and how to structure their strategies in line with emerging trends.
In conclusion, the Middle East and Sub-Saharan Africa are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the solar manufacturing sector. The planned capacity by 2030 reflects an ambitious roadmap, and while challenges exist, the direction is clear: these regions are moving toward becoming global players in solar supply. By focusing on integration across the entire value chain and capitalizing on geographic and strategic advantages, they are setting the foundation for a sustainable and resilient energy future. This will not only support local demand but also enhance their standing in the global clean energy market.
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