China and the African Union on Thursday agreed to jointly promote the development of renewable energy in Africa by strengthening policy dialogues, technological exchanges, and project cooperation.
The announcement was made at a promotional event held in Beijing. Attended by high level officials, diplomats, and energy experts, the event highlighted the solid achievements of the two sides' energy partnership.
A report on China renewable energy development was also released at the event.
"The China renewable energy development report is the first specialized report focusing on China-Africa clean energy cooperation. It summarizes the major achievements and challenges in the field of clean energy cooperation between China and Africa over the past decade since the launch of the Belt and Road Initiative [in 2013]. The report was jointly worked out by the General Institute of Water Resources and Hydropower Planning and Design, the African Union Development Agency, and several international think tanks, making it very objective and recognized internationally," said Jiang Hao, director of the International Business Department under the China Renewable Energy Engineering Institute.
Participants say cooperation between China and Africa in the field of renewable energy holds great significance, and in the future, exchanges and cooperation between the two sides at a policy level will be boosted.
"It is key for leveraging or supporting the sustainable development process in Africa. In my opinion, to leverage these opportunities, both sides need to work diligently to ensure mutually beneficial partnership," said Dr. Mustafa Sakr, head of the Trade and Markets Unit with the African Union Development Agency.
Construction projects and financial investment are also expected to grow between the two sides.
China, African Union agree to promote renewable energy in Africa
