Forum on China-Africa Cooperation: Why Beijing's eye is on green energy, exports ahead of FOCAC

Sept. 3, 2024, 3:25 p.m.

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As the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) kicks off on Wednesday (September 4), China's focus on Africa has taken on a new emphasis: sustainability.

With the global push towards renewable energy intensifying, Beijing is positioning itself to tap into Africa's rich reserves of key minerals while simultaneously seeking new markets for its green technologies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, who began holding bilateral meetings with African leaders on Monday (September 2) ahead of the main summit, is expected to strongly advocate for deepening ties in the renewable energy sector when the forum officially opens.

Advertisement The stakes are high, as China seeks to secure both the raw materials vital for its renewable energy aspirations and outlets for its green exports amidst increasing competition and trade restrictions from the West.

China’s renewable energy needs

Africa boasts significant deposits of minerals essential for renewable technologies, such as copper, cobalt, and lithium. These are critical components in the production of batteries and other green technologies that are central to the global shift away from fossil fuels, according to an essay in The Conversation.

China, already a leader in solar and wind power technology, has long recognized the strategic importance of these resources.

Although not as expansive as Western mining efforts, Chinese mining interests in Africa are notably concentrated in key nations including Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). These countries are crucial to China's plans to secure the supply chains necessary for its expanding renewable energy sector.

New buyers for green exports

Beyond resource extraction, China is also seeking new markets for its green technologies. With Western nations increasingly imposing restrictions on Chinese exports, Beijing views Africa as a promising market for its electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels.

These sectors have witnessed significant investment from Chinese companies, and China is eager to expand its influence by exporting these technologies to Africa.

In recent years, China has shifted its focus away from large-scale infrastructure projects in Africa, such as bridges, ports, and railways, toward supporting green energy initiatives. This shift encompasses financing for solar farms, electric vehicle manufacturing facilities, and the expansion of 5G networks across the continent.

President Xi is anticipated to highlight the advantages for African nations in aligning with China's green energy sector. Leaders from across the continent, including Gambia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, will be keenly attentive as Beijing seeks to strengthen its position as a key player in Africa's energy future while countering Western influence.

With inputs from Reuters

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