China-Africa cooperation boosts continent's green transition

The green economy is a cornerstone of Africa's future development, and collaboration between China and Africa in this sector will play a crucial role in facilitating Africa's green transition, experts said.

"Energy shortages have long been a challenge for Africa, and the continent is among the most vulnerable to climate change globally. As a result, Africa places significant emphasis on the development of renewable energy," said Zhang Chunyu, an associate researcher at the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

According to the African Union's Agenda 2063, the share of renewable energy in total energy production across the continent is expected to surpass 50 percent by 2063.

Zhang pointed out that Africa's green development is still in its early stages and lacks the necessary funding and technical support. "On the other hand, China is a global leader in renewable energy technology and application. Thus, China-Africa cooperation can provide crucial support for Africa's green development."

These remarks were made at a symposium held on Tuesday in Beijing for the release of the "Annual Report on Development in Africa No 26 (2023-2024)", compiled by the Institute of West-Asian and African Studies and the China-Africa Institute at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

The report emphasized that the collaboration between China and Africa in the green development sector is making steady progress, with several clean energy projects, such as the low-carbon demonstration zone in Seychelles, being implemented smoothly and receiving high praise from African partners.

According to the report, China's exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products to Africa have seen rapid growth, increasing by 291 percent, 109 percent, and 57 percent year-on-year, respectively. Chinese companies have also scaled up photovoltaic and wind power investments and projects in countries such as Egypt, Kenya, Uganda and Zambia, the report said.

"China-Africa cooperation in the green energy sector has significantly helped address energy poverty in Africa. Our efforts have primarily focused on two areas: large-scale hydropower projects and photovoltaic projects. Looking ahead, I believe our most crucial contribution will come from advancements in Chinese new energy technologies, which can greatly improve the daily lives and productivity of African residents," Zhang said.

"Additionally, the transfer of green energy technology resulting from China-Africa cooperation will also provide significant support for the development of Africa's green economy."