Maroc - EURASIAREVIEW.COM - A la une - 08/Sep 03:13

China-Africa Energy Cooperation At The 2024 Beijing Summit – Analysis

The Beijing Summit and Ninth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held from September 4 to 6, 2024, marked a new chapter in strengthening the relationship between China and Africa. Bringing together heads of state, government leaders, delegations from 53 African nations, and officials from the African Union (AU) Commission, the event underscored both the historical achievements of FOCAC and its future path. Over 24 years, FOCAC has evolved into a crucial platform for South-South cooperation, overcoming global challenges such as economic downturns, the COVID-19 pandemic, and an increasingly volatile international landscape. Through this evolution, China-Africa cooperation has developed into an effective model of international collaboration, promoting peace, development, and win-win scenarios for all parties involved. A Focus on Green Energy and Sustainability One of the most prominent themes during the 2024 summit was energy cooperation, particularly the push for renewable energy and environmental sustainability. China and Africa both recognized that energy is central to the continent's economic and social development. Through a robust partnership, China pledged its support in enhancing Africa's capacity for climate adaptation, offering new energy technologies, clean energy projects, and green industrial developments. These initiatives reflect China's growing role as a global leader in renewable energy and its commitment to helping Africa reduce its carbon footprint. The key pillar of the energy cooperation between China and Africa rests in their shared dedication to green development. With a significant emphasis on renewable energy, China promised to implement 30 clean energy projects across Africa and to create a special fund for the development of green industrial chains. Efforts would be made to establish platforms for environmental protection, including disaster prevention, biodiversity preservation, and desertification control. These projects aim to elevate Africa's capabilities in managing and utilizing renewable energy sources, particularly in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power. Building on Previous Commitments The summit's emphasis on energy cooperation also builds on the outcomes of previous events, such as the Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on Combating Climate Change adopted in Dakar in 2021, as well as the 2023 African Climate Summit held in Nairobi. China's willingness to support Africa's quest for energy independence through renewable means ties into the broader strategy of increasing energy access and affordability across the continent. Recognizing the importance of tailoring projects to local conditions, China and Africa aim to create synergy between their respective energy development strategies, enhancing collaboration and joint research. In particular, China's endorsement of the African Union Development Agency's (AUDA) Continental Power Systems Master Plan is noteworthy. This framework aligns with the AU's Agenda 2063, a strategic vision aimed at transforming Africa's infrastructure and energy sector to support sustainable economic growth. The plan will be integral to improving energy accessibility and reliability across Africa, ensuring that more communities benefit from clean energy solutions. The Role of Nuclear Technologies Another significant aspect of the energy partnership between China and Africa is cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. Both sides agreed to enhance their collaboration through key international platforms such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the African Regional Cooperation Agreement for Research, Development, and Training in the Field of Nuclear Science and Technology (AFRA), and the African Commission on Nuclear Energy (AFCONE). These organizations offer avenues for sharing expertise and improving nuclear governance. China is poised to help African countries leverage nuclear technologies for peaceful purposes, such as energy generation, medical research, and environmental management. The two sides are exploring the potential signing of a tripartite agreement between China's Atomic Energy Authority, the IAEA, and the AU to promote nuclear technologies' peaceful uses. Through these initiatives, China and Africa hope to foster a global nuclear governance framework that is equitable, just, and reflective of developing countries' needs. Investments in Renewable Energy Projects One of the most promising outcomes of the summit was China's commitment to investing in renewable energy projects across Africa. These projects are diverse and focus on harnessing a variety of energy sources, including solar, wind, and green hydrogen. The integration of renewable energy in Africa's power grid represents a transformative shift for the continent, which has long relied on traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels. To facilitate this transition, China is offering expertise, financial investments, and capacity-building programs tailored to African countries' specific needs. The focus will not only be on energy generation but also on improving transmission and distribution networks to make them more efficient and reliable. This is expected to empower African communities, businesses, and professionals in the energy sector by enhancing their knowledge and skills in renewable energy technologies. For example, photovoltaic solar power projects will play a central role in the energy partnership. China has extensive experience in the development of solar technologies, and this expertise will be shared with African countries to build large-scale solar power plants, as well as distributed photovoltaic energy storage systems. Such systems are particularly suited for rural and remote areas that are often underserved by traditional power infrastructure. Empowering Africa's Green Industrial Transition Africa's energy cooperation with China also extends to industries beyond electricity generation. The development of a green industrial chain is expected to spur growth in energy-saving technologies, new-tech industries, and low-carbon initiatives. By connecting Africa to the global supply chain for green products, China and Africa aim to foster a more sustainable industrial base that not only meets current energy demands but also anticipates future challenges. One of the key initiatives to support Africa's industrial transition is the China-Africa Energy Innovation Cooperation Accelerator project. This program will support the development of green and low-carbon industries across the continent, encouraging joint ventures and the sharing of best practices. The ultimate goal is to strengthen Africa's industrial capacity while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. By investing in advanced technologies, such as those used in solar and wind energy, African countries can create a more diversified and sustainable energy mix. Professional Training and Capacity Building A significant part of the energy cooperation agenda between China and Africa involves professional training and capacity building. China will offer technical support and training programs aimed at helping African governments and enterprises improve their capabilities in managing energy infrastructure. The long-term success of renewable energy projects in Africa depends on the ability of local professionals to operate and maintain them, ensuring that they remain reliable and efficient. The two sides are set to hold the second Project Promotion Conference on Energy Cooperation under the AU-China Energy Partnership, which will provide a forum for policy dialogue, technical exchanges, and collaboration between Chinese and African think tanks. These dialogues will focus on policy, technology, and management issues related to renewable energy, helping to create a comprehensive framework for cooperation. Enhancing Policy and Regulatory Frameworks Another critical aspect of the China-Africa energy partnership is the development of robust policy and regulatory frameworks to support renewable energy investments. By promoting policies that encourage competition, attract private-sector investment, and ensure long-term sustainability, China and Africa hope to create a favorable environment for renewable energy development. This collaboration aims to improve investor confidence in Africa's renewable energy sector by addressing potential challenges such as regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure limitations, and market competition. African governments, with China's support, will work on enhancing the capabilities of regulatory institutions to better manage and promote renewable energy initiatives. This will also involve creating investment policies that align with global trends and emerging technologies, helping Africa become a competitive player in the renewable energy market. Conclusion: A Stronger China-Africa Partnership The Beijing Summit and Ninth Ministerial Conference of FOCAC in 2024 underscored the depth of China-Africa relations and their shared commitment to addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, and economic development. Energy cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and green development, stands at the heart of this partnership, offering Africa a pathway to sustainable industrial growth and energy independence. China's support for Africa in developing its energy sector is comprehensive, spanning green energy technologies, nuclear governance, and policy frameworks that promote sustainable investments. Through these efforts, China and Africa are not only strengthening their bilateral relations but also contributing to the broader goals of global sustainability and climate action. The future of China-Africa cooperation is one of mutual benefit, where shared expertise, innovative solutions, and joint projects will continue to drive progress in the energy sector. As both sides look toward the next phase of their partnership, the focus remains on building a more sustainable, resilient, and prosperous future for all.