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Solar exports surge from Nigeria and Kenya, reshaping sub-Saharan Africa trade lanes

Nigeria has emerged as a top-10 solar panel supplier to the United States, with 40% of the country's $64 billion in solar technology exports reaching American markets by the end of the first quarter. Kenya is tracking similarly strong growth in the sector. DHL Express's Sub-Saharan Africa chief executive said the region is experiencing "incredible growth" in solar panel shipments to the US, driven by expanding demand for renewable energy technology. Across Africa, the new energy vertical is expanding at 20% year-over-year, outpacing traditional freight categories. Forwarders report Kenya is also seeing reverse flows of solar panels. Supply chain executives debate whether volumes reflect genuine infrastructure redevelopment or cargo routing around congestion at conventional transhipment hubs and regional disruptions.