Africa faces significant challenges with energy access. Approximately 600 million people on the continent lack electricity, which impedes economic growth and industrialisation. Despite this, there are opportunities in green technology and renewable energy that can facilitate a just transition.
The 2021 China-Africa joint declaration and subsequent commitments from China’s Global Development Initiative and its 2035 Vision underscore a shared focus on green development and innovation. Africa’s developmental strategy, including the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, aligns with these goals. The Nairobi Declaration on Climate Change highlights Africa’s commitment to attracting investment in green growth and advancing decarbonisation while fostering sustainable industrial development.
To advance these goals, SAIIA and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in South Africa will host a hybrid policy dialogue on 15 August. This dialogue will address key questions on leveraging Chinese investments in green technology, positioning Africa to benefit from these investments, and increasing green energy access.
It aims to produce actionable recommendations for enhancing cooperation between African governments, the African Union, and China, feeding into the FOCAC summit discussions.
Speakers
- Alex Benkenstein, Programme Head: Climate and Natural Resources Programme, SAIIA
- Dr Zhou Taidong, Vice President: Center for International Knowledge on Development
- Olufunso Somorin, Regional Principal Officer: Climate Change and Green Growth, African Development Bank
- Dr Cobus van Staden, Managing Editor: China-Global South Podcast and SAIIA Research Associate
- Simbini Tichakunda, Principal Programme Officer – Energy: AUDA-NEPAD
- Professor Zhang Yongpeng, Research Fellow: Institute of West Asian and African Studies Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
Moderators
- Steven Gruzd, Programme Head: African Governance and Diplomacy Programme, SAIIA
- Elizabeth Sidiropoulos, Chief Executive, SAIIA
Download the presentation by Dr Zhou Taidong
You can watch the full recording below: