Africa -China Review Africa -China Cooperation and Transformation
By Staff writer
China has become one of the leading foreign investors in Africa’s renewable energy landscape. Since the early 2000s, Chinese state-owned and private enterprises, supported by institutions such as the Export-Import Bank of China, have financed and built a significant portion of Africa’s new energy infrastructure. About one-third of sub-Saharan Africa’s new grid-connected renewable capacity added since 2000 has involved Chinese participation. This engagement spans solar, wind, hydroelectric, and, to a lesser extent, biomass energy projects.
The partnership between China and Africa in the renewable energy sector has emerged as a transformative force for sustainable development across the African continent. Over the past two decades, this cooperation has grown steadily, fueled by China’s strategic investments, technology transfer, and infrastructure development. These joint efforts are not only expanding access to clean and affordable energy but also contributing to environmental preservation and long-term economic growth.
One of the flagship projects resulting from this cooperation is the Karuma Hydropower Plant in Uganda. With a capacity of 600 megawatts, this $1.7 billion facility, funded predominantly by China’s Exim Bank, has become a cornerstone of Uganda’s national energy plan. The plant is expected to improve electricity access within the country and support power exports to neighboring states, fostering regional economic integration. The project not only meets energy demands but also fuels industrial development by ensuring a more stable power supply.
In Kenya, the Garissa Solar Power Plant stands as a symbol of modern energy transition. Completed in 2019, this 50-megawatt photovoltaic power station is the largest of its kind in East Africa. Developed with Chinese funding and technical expertise, the facility generates approximately 76 million kilowatt-hours annually, enough to supply electricity to over 380,000 residents. The plant plays a critical role in stabilizing the local grid and reducing reliance on expensive fossil fuel imports.
South Africa has also seen impactful developments through this collaboration, notably the De Aar Wind Farm. This 100-megawatt wind energy project, constructed with support from China’s Longyuan Power Group, generates about 760 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. The environmental benefits are substantial, with the wind farm reducing carbon dioxide emissions by more than 619,000 tons each year. In addition to environmental gains, the project contributes to social development by offering scholarships and training programs to local students, as well as creating hundreds of jobs during the construction and operational phases.
The social and economic impacts of China-Africa renewable energy projects are profound. One of the most significant benefits is job creation, which supports local communities and stimulates domestic economies. Beyond temporary construction work, many projects incorporate vocational training and scholarship programs to equip young Africans with the skills needed for long-term employment in the energy sector. Energy access has also improved notably in rural and underserved regions, where clean energy projects bring electricity for the first time, powering homes, schools, health clinics, and small businesses.
From an environmental perspective, these projects support Africa’s efforts to transition to a low-carbon energy future. By reducing dependence on diesel generators and coal-fired power plants, countries are lowering greenhouse gas emissions and contributing to global climate mitigation goals. Moreover, clean energy reduces air pollution, which has measurable public health benefits, especially in urban and peri-urban areas.
This cooperation also reflects broader geopolitical and economic shifts. China’s involvement in Africa’s renewable energy market is aligned with its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which increasingly emphasizes green development. In 2021, President Xi Jinping pledged that China would no longer build new coal power projects abroad and would increase support for green and low-carbon energy. This pivot has encouraged Chinese firms and lenders to prioritize wind, solar, and hydro projects in their overseas portfolios, especially in Africa, where energy poverty remains widespread.
Africa, for its part, sees renewable energy as a cornerstone of its economic transformation. The African Union’s Agenda 2063 outlines a vision of inclusive, sustainable development, with universal energy access as a key objective. China’s involvement helps African countries accelerate toward this vision by providing affordable financing, construction expertise, and rapid deployment of energy solutions.
while Chinese expertise has been instrumental in deploying these projects, there is an ongoing need to ensure that technology transfer and local capacity-building are prioritized. Developing local skills and institutions capable of maintaining and operating energy systems is crucial for the long-term viability of renewable energy infrastructure.
Environmental concerns also remain. Even renewable energy projects can have negative localized impacts on ecosystems and communities if not carefully managed. Hydropower, for instance, can disrupt river ecosystems and displace local populations. Environmental and social impact assessments must therefore be comprehensive and transparent, ensuring that development is truly sustainable.
The future of China-Africa cooperation in renewable energy appears promising, with several avenues for deepened engagement. As energy demand grows due to population increase and industrialization, African countries will require investments not only in generation but also in energy storage, transmission, and smart grid technologies. China’s capabilities in these areas are extensive, and partnerships can expand into research and co-development of cutting-edge clean technologies adapted to Africa’s diverse climates and geographies.
Furthermore, there is increasing interest in decentralized renewable energy systems, such as solar home kits and mini-grids, especially in remote or off-grid regions. These solutions are ideal for Africa’s many rural communities and could be a focal point for future cooperation. Chinese companies, with their mass production capacity and falling technology costs, are well-positioned to supply these systems, particularly if supported by innovative financing models such as pay-as-you-go or microloans.
Another key area of development lies in green finance. African financial institutions, in partnership with Chinese banks and international donors, are exploring mechanisms to de-risk renewable energy investments and attract private capital. Green bonds, blended finance, and public-private partnerships are among the instruments being promoted to scale up clean energy projects.
The alignment of these efforts with global and continental agendas such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 will be vital. Renewable energy not only supports SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) but also underpins progress on goals related to health, education, gender equality, and economic growth. Every additional household or business with access to clean electricity becomes a step toward inclusive development and climate resilience.
The partnership between China and Africa on renewable energy is a compelling example of international cooperation that advances sustainable development. Through strategic investments, innovation, and a shared commitment to green growth, this collaboration is helping to shape a cleaner, more equitable, and more resilient future for the African continent. The continued success of this partnership will depend on mutual accountability, transparent governance, local empowerment, and a shared vision of prosperity rooted in sustainability and innovation.
