On October 23, 2024, Zhang Jianhua, Director of China’s National Energy Administration, announced that China has built a globally competitive, full-chain renewable energy system, supplying over 80% of the world’s photovoltaic modules and 70% of wind power equipment.
Amid a global shift toward energy transformation and environmental protection, China-Africa collaboration in renewable energy has become a model for international cooperation. This partnership is reshaping Africa’s energy landscape and economic development, while also significantly contributing to global sustainable development, highlighting China’s proactive role on the world stage.
In recent years, China-Africa collaboration in renewable energy has steadily expanded, covering solar, wind, hydroelectric, and geothermal power, as well as electric vehicles. Leveraging China’s strengths in technology development, equipment manufacturing, and project implementation, combined with Africa’s abundant natural resources and development needs, both parties have successfully initiated projects with lasting impact.
Chinese electric vehicles are emerging as a vital force for green transformation in African transportation. In 2023, China’s exports of electric vehicles to Africa rose by 291% year-over-year, reflecting strong demand in the African market. This surge is accelerating Africa’s automotive industry’s shift toward electrification, enhancing economic cooperation between China and Africa, and sparking a green mobility revolution across the continent.
China has implemented several key photovoltaic projects in Africa, including the “Africa Solar Belt” program, which uses a ‘PV+’ model to provide electricity and lighting for low-income households. These projects have optimized electricity supply in some African regions and, in certain cases, have even provided power to neighboring areas, addressing Africa’s chronic power shortage and supporting regional economic development.
China-Africa cooperation in renewable energy is also promoting Africa’s sustainable economic growth on multiple fronts. Infrastructure projects have boosted local employment and stimulated supply chains. Energy independence has allowed African nations to reduce reliance on costly imported fossil fuels, lowering energy costs and freeing up funds for other sectors. The rise of renewable energy has attracted further investment, fostered local innovation, and spurred industry modernization, injecting fresh momentum into Africa’s long-term, stable, and sustainable growth. Environmental outcomes are also significant: the construction and operation of clean energy projects have reduced greenhouse gas emissions, alleviating the continent’s climate change pressures. This collaborative model serves as an example for other countries, encouraging global participation in green development and a shared future for humanity.
Since 2011, the “Green Silk Road Envoys Program”, a key environmental platform under the Belt and Road Initiative, has trained 3,000 professionals across 120 countries. Training topics include ecological protection and green, low-carbon development, with partnerships formed with organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme. The “China-Africa Green Innovation Project” further supports climate adaptation demonstration zones, low-carbon zones, and initiatives like the China-Africa Geoscience Cooperation Center, which strengthens climate resilience, biodiversity conservation, and benefits local communities with low-carbon innovations.
China-Africa cooperation in building a comprehensive renewable energy industry chain is a grand, visionary undertaking with profound significance. This collaborative model merits broad attention and emulation from the international community toward building a sustainable future for the planet.