China and Africa are set to deepen their collaboration in renewable energy, driven by Africa’s vast natural resources and China’s advanced capabilities in wind and solar power technologies. Experts highlight that this growing partnership holds the potential not only to secure energy supplies across the continent but also to propel Africa onto a greener, more sustainable path. This synergy promises numerous benefits, including sustainable economic growth, energy security, and climate resilience for African nations.
The economic landscape in Africa is evolving, with an increase in both industrialization and urbanization leading to a continuous rise in energy demands. Projections from the African Union Development Agency’s Continental Power System Masterplan suggest that by 2040, Africa’s electricity consumption could soar to nearly 3,842 terawatt-hours, underscoring the urgent need for energy expansion and diversification. The International Renewable Energy Agency further predicts that by 2030, nearly 25 percent of this demand can be met by renewable sources, positioning clean energy as a pivotal component of Africa’s future.
China has already played a substantial role in addressing Africa’s energy needs through various renewable energy projects, which have helped African nations reduce energy deficits and transition toward sustainable development models. However, experts emphasize that more significant advancements could be achieved by localizing technology production, investing in green financing, and fostering talent within African countries. This approach could deepen the roots of China-Africa renewable energy cooperation, fostering more self-sustaining growth in the sector and maximizing the benefits of these projects within African economies.
Lu Junling, Chief Economist at China’s National Energy Administration, points out that China-Africa energy collaboration aligns with mutual strategic interests, laying a strong foundation for extensive future cooperation. He advocates for practical measures to accelerate this partnership, such as exchanging knowledge and project insights, creating forums for collaboration, and utilizing think tanks to bolster outcomes. This emphasis on collaborative frameworks aims to build a more cohesive, robust foundation for long-term energy initiatives across the continent.
Timing and Opportunities for Green Collaboration
Li Sheng, head of the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute (CREEI), underscores that the time is right for intensified renewable energy cooperation between China and Africa. For this collaboration to reach its full potential, Li suggests further development of cooperative mechanisms, greater support for joint research and planning, as well as policy alignment. By advancing technological innovation and tailoring projects to address local needs, the partnership could deliver impactful, community-focused green energy solutions.
A recent report on China-Africa renewable energy cooperation—jointly authored by CREEI and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development, an African Union economic initiative—emphasizes the immense potential for renewable energy development in Africa. Despite this potential, Africa’s current renewable energy production and consumption levels remain modest; as of 2022, renewables constituted only 9.67 percent of the continent’s total energy consumption.
Installed Capacity and Growth Trends
Africa’s installed power generation capacity reached 252.8 gigawatts by 2023, with fossil fuels still dominating at approximately 75 percent of the total. Hydropower represents the largest renewable segment, with 37.1 GW of installed capacity, amounting to 3 percent of global hydropower capacity. Wind and solar, although growing, contribute only modestly, with 8.7 GW and 13.5 GW, respectively—each less than 1 percent of the global share.
However, Africa’s renewable energy capacity is expanding rapidly. Excluding pumped storage, renewable installations have grown by 23.2 percent over the last five years—far outpacing the 6.4 percent growth rate in fossil fuel power generation. This shift signals Africa’s accelerating transition to renewable energy sources, but also highlights the need for continued investment and innovation to fully realize the continent’s green potential.
Through this robust China-Africa renewable energy partnership, Africa has an opportunity to meet its growing energy needs sustainably while establishing itself as a leader in the global green energy transition. With an expanded focus on green finance, technology transfer, and local workforce development, this collaboration can set a new standard for international cooperation in the fight against climate change and in building resilient, sustainable economies.
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