Has China built a solar power plant in Africa?

Yes, China has made strides in building solar power plants in Africa. For example, China's government financed the construction of a utility-scale 50 megawatt (MW) solar plant in Kenya — the first of its kind in the country.

Does China have an Africa Solar Belt?

China's first major program under its new strategy of shifting overseas renewable energy investments toward smaller-scale initiatives is the Africa Solar Belt.

Will China close electricity access gaps in Sub-Saharan Africa?

As China hosts the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) this September, closing electricity access gaps in sub-Saharan Africa must be top of the agenda. Recently, China committed to shift its overseas renewable energy investments toward smaller-scale initiatives that prioritize social benefits.

What is China's advantage in supporting clean energy in Africa?

China is uniquely well positioned to support clean energy expansion and access in sub-Saharan Africa because it is home to more than 80% of the world's renewable energy manufacturing. This makes the country a good partner in Africa, as it is also Africa's largest bilateral trading partner and one of its biggest sources of foreign aid.

Could China play a key role in Africa's energy crisis?

China could play a key role in addressing Africa's energy crisis. China is not only Africa's largest bilateral trading partner and one of its biggest sources of foreign aid, but is also home to more than 80% of the world's renewable energy manufacturing.

What is the Africa Solar Belt initiative?

The first major program under the new Africa-China cooperation strategy is the Africa Solar Belt initiative. This key initiative of the Forum on Africa-China Cooperation aims to invest in solar energy infrastructure in Africa. China has a long history of investing in energy infrastructure overseas, with its Belt and Road Initiative investing over $1 trillion in infrastructure in more than 150 countries.