Unleashing the Potential of Green Energy Cooperation Between China and Africa

Dr. Fikresus Amahazion, Research Analyst, Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies （Photo provided to Guangming Online）

The future of green energy cooperation between China and Africa is of far-reaching significance – not only to these regions but to the entire planet. With climate change emerging as one of the most critical global challenges, the need for sustainable and renewable energy solutions has never been more paramount.

China and Africa are uniquely positioned to lead the quest for a greener, more sustainable world. Together, they possess the resources, technology, and human capital to positively transform the global energy landscape. Green energy cooperation has the potential not only to benefit both China and Africa but also to serve as a viable model of international collaboration. The following article first highlights key factors positioning China and Africa as excellent green energy partners before outlining possible avenues through which their cooperation can thrive.

To begin, China and Africa possess complementary strengths making them natural partners in the pursuit of green energy. China has firmly established itself as a global leader in renewable energy. It boasts the world's largest solar and wind power industries and has registered significant advancements in energy storage, EVs, and grid infrastructure. Remarkably, China’s solar capacity under construction is more than the rest of the world combined, while it also produces a considerably large part of the world's equipment for making solar panels and supply of component of solar panels.

Meanwhile, the African continent is richly endowed with renewable energy resources. According to the International Energy Agency, Africa holds approximately 60 percent of the world's best solar, hydropower, wind, and geothermal energy sources. Additionally, it has massive deposits of raw minerals used in new energy technologies for EVs, stationary energy storage, and green hydrogen production. Despite this huge potential, Africa has thus far failed to capitalize, with less than 3 percent of renewable energy production and more than 600 million Africans still lacking access to electricity.

Accordingly, China's expertise in manufacturing, technology, and large-scale project implementation makes it an ideal partner for Africa to drive ahead toward its renewable energy aspirations. Africa can work with China to harness its abundant resources and tap into its immense potential, which will help it meet rising energy demands and also contribute to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

Second, the fact they share an interest in sustainable development positions China and African nations as natural green energy partners. Notably, China’s developmental journey has now entered a stage of accelerated green and low-carbon high-quality development, while it aims to hit peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. Moreover, its signature BRI emphasizes sustainable development.

All this aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and other regional strategic frameworks that center green development. Recall, too, that despite being least responsible for the global climate crisis and accounting for under 4 percent of global emissions, Africa is most vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change. Ultimately, China and Africa’s shared interests and priority alignment create opportunities for productive collaboration. Working together, they can achieve their multifaceted developmental ambitions while meaningfully addressing the challenges of climate change.

Third, green energy cooperation between China and Africa offers the promise of socioeconomic benefits. For example, across Africa, where many countries remain underdeveloped and face high unemployment, investments in renewable energy infrastructure can create jobs and improve living standards. From manufacturing solar panels and wind turbines to building and maintaining energy grids, employment opportunities are vast.

As well, China's experience in building a green economy offers valuable insights for Africa. By leveraging Chinese expertise in sophisticated renewable energy technology and infrastructure development, African countries can create new industries and build a sustainable energy sector that drives robust long-term economic growth. For China, the continent also opens alternative market opportunities – which is increasingly important as the West demonizes China, seeks decoupling and containment, and imposes tariffs or protectionist measures against its producers.

Finally, China and Africa’s long history of mutual engagement is also crucial. It establishes a strong foundation of rich knowledge, lessons, and insights that can be drawn from and built upon toward establishing fruitful green energy cooperation.

Overall, the potential for green energy cooperation between China and Africa is immense. Together, they can lead the world as it transitions to a sustainable energy future. By leveraging their complementarity, sharing knowledge and technology, and investing in renewable energy infrastructure, China and Africa can create a powerful partnership that benefits the two regions and helps the planet.

Importantly, this cooperation is not just about addressing the urgent challenge of climate change. It is also about seizing the opportunity to drive economic growth, create dignified jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of people, as well as building a future where clean, affordable, and reliable energy is accessible to all.

By Dr. Fikresus Amahazion, Research Analyst, Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies