Does China have a role in Africa's energy sector?

China's involvement in Africa's energy sector and its critics can be roughly divided into two stages.

How important is China in financing energy infrastructure in Africa?

For over two decades, Chinese development finance institutions and commercial lenders have been important in financing energy infrastructure across the continent. According to analysis based on the Chinese Loans to Africa Database, China has provided about $43 billion in loans to support electricity access expansion from 2000 to 2023.

How can Chinese green energy firms contribute to Africa?

With extensive experience in renewable deployment and energy storage technologies, Chinese green energy firms can contribute by expanding their operations in Africa, offering technical expertise, and providing scalable solutions for mini-grid sustainability.

Does China invest in non-hydro renewables in Africa?

Another recent criticism is that China does not have significant investment in non-hydro renewables in Africa compared to other energy sectors , despite it being a global leader of wind and solar energy investment domestically and Africa's huge untapped potential in renewable resources .

How many Chinese energy infrastructure projects are there in Africa?

Current version of database includes 100 Chinese energy infrastructure projects (48 ODA projects, 32 non-ODA projects, and 20 unidentified projects) in Africa, with the total commitment more than 25.5 billion USD (as some projects’ value remain unidentified).

Why did China stop funding coal-fired power plants in Africa?

Recognizing the need for a more climate-friendly energy mix, China has ceased to provide funding for fossil fuel projects in Africa since 2020. Then, in 2021, Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to stop funding new coal-fired power plants overseas.