What role does China play in Africa's energy transition?

As Africa’s key trading and investment partners, China and the European Union can play an important role in supporting the continent’s energy transition. Since the early 21st century, both China and the EU have built upon their existing ties with Africa to establish and strengthen new forms of cooperation with energy as a critical area of focus.

How much money will China spend on solar power in Africa?

The ongoing Africa Solar Belt program, for example, underscores this commitment, with China pledging at least 100 million yuan (about $14 million) in public funds from 2024 to 2027 to power 50,000 households in Africa with off-grid solar systems.

How can China and the European Union support Africa's energy transition?

Addressing Africa's energy challenges and accelerating its transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy are crucial for global climate action. As Africa’s key trading and investment partners, China and the European Union can play an important role in supporting the continent’s energy transition.

Why is China a good partner in Africa?

China and Africa have engaged in extensive cooperation across trade, infrastructure, transportation and energy, contributing to sustainable development and local capacity building efforts. For the past 15 years, China has already been Africa's largest trading partner and remains the largest developing country investor in the region.

Is China Africa's largest trading partner?

For the past 15 years, China has already been Africa's largest trading partner and remains the largest developing country investor in the region. At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), both sides elevated and strengthened their partnership.

Can China & EU co-develop smart grid expansion projects in Africa?

China, EU and African institutions can pool their complementary strengths — China’s experience in large-scale infrastructure development, the EU’s expertise in regulatory harmonization and smart grid technologies, and Africa’s political momentum and regional frameworks — to co-develop grid expansion projects.