China-Africa Energy and Climate Cooperation: Prospects for FOCAC 2024

This report by the South African Institute of International Affairs analyses the evolution of climate and energy cooperation between China and Africa within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). It tracks the shift from large-scale infrastructure and resource extraction projects toward "small and beautiful" green initiatives, while assessing how China's commitments align with Africa's strategic priorities for a just energy transition and climate resilience ahead of the September 2024 FOCAC summit.

• China-Africa energy and climate cooperation has evolved from abstract pledges in early FOCACs to more specific frameworks. The 2009 Sharm El Sheikh Action Plan first included a paragraph on combating climate change and the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities," while the 2013-2015 Beijing Action Plan integrated "clean" and "sustainable" energy utilisation and detailed operational projects like meteorological infrastructure and desertification combat.
• Despite the introduction of "clean energy" concepts in 2012, Chinese energy projects in Africa during the 2010s were primarily large-scale thermal power stations led by state-owned enterprises under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, renewable energy investments grew at an average annual rate of 26% between 2010 and 2020, initially dominated by hydropower before shifting toward solar and wind.
• Since September 2021, China has shifted its overseas energy strategy, with President Xi announcing a stop to funding and building new coal-fired projects abroad. This has led to a new phase of "small and beautiful" projects focused on local livelihoods, including solar panel initiatives in Kenya, Mali, and South Africa.
• In the lead-up to the 2024 FOCAC, China has outlined four priorities for climate and energy: providing financial and technological aid to developing nations, establishing policy discussion arenas, bolstering climate resilience and capabilities in developing countries, and supporting South-South and North-South collaborations.
• China has pledged specific support for African climate initiatives, including the "Great Green Wall" and the "African Light Belt," the latter of which aims to use solar energy to address electricity consumption and promote low-carbon development.
• African nations have established clear, assertive climate agendas through documents such as the Green Recovery Action Plan 2021-2027 and the Nairobi Declaration. These priorities include improving climate finance, expediting the energy transition, and enhancing the accessibility of modern, affordable, and reliable energy services.
• While China is well-positioned to assist Africa due to its leadership in renewable energy manufacturing and the "Green Belt and Road Initiative," the report notes that some African priorities, specifically critical minerals, have not yet been adequately addressed by Chinese stakeholders.

APA

Chen, X., Benkenstein, A., & van Staden, C. (2024). China-Africa Energy and Climate Cooperation: Prospects for FOCAC 2024. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/China-Africa-Energy-Climate_SAIIA_Aug2024.pdf

Chicago

Chen, Xiang, Alex Benkenstein, and Cobus van Staden. China-Africa Energy and Climate Cooperation: Prospects for FOCAC 2024. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2024. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/China-Africa-Energy-Climate_SAIIA_Aug2024.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Chen |first1=Xiang |last2=Benkenstein |first2=Alex |last3=van Staden |first3=Cobus |title=China-Africa Energy and Climate Cooperation: Prospects for FOCAC 2024 |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=26 August 2024 |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/China-Africa-Energy-Climate_SAIIA_Aug2024.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{chen2024chinaafrica, author = {Chen, Xiang and Benkenstein, Alex and van Staden, Cobus}, title = {{China-Africa Energy and Climate Cooperation: Prospects for FOCAC 2024}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2024}, month = aug, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/China-Africa-Energy-Climate_SAIIA_Aug2024.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }