According to Global Voices, China has supplied more than 70 percent of the world's wind power equipment and 80 percent of its photovoltaic components, with projects in Africa boasting an installed capacity of over 1.5 gigawatts of photovoltaic power plants. This partnership is intended to help Africa improve its energy resilience and support its green transition.
However, the relationship is complex. Despite these green initiatives, China remains the largest global emitter of CO2 and continues to invest heavily in fossil fuels in Africa, notably in countries like Niger, Uganda, and Angola. China's involvement in both renewable and non-renewable sectors illustrates its dual strategy to meet industrial demands while promoting a green agenda.
Concerns have emerged regarding the nature of China's engagement with Africa. Some scholars argue that Chinese loans are exacerbating debt levels and limiting African countries' autonomy. Jana de Kluiver, a researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, warned that this model of partnership fosters economic dependence, restricting the continent's climate policy options.
Local impacts of Chinese-funded projects include population displacements, deforestation, and environmental degradation, which threaten the livelihoods of vulnerable communities. The FILIMBI movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo has criticized Chinese miners for polluting the Arwini River, highlighting the minimal reparations offered for such damage.
The continent faces a dilemma: how to balance the benefits of Chinese investment with the principles of environmental justice. For a truly sustainable partnership, technology transfer and local technical training should be prioritized. As investigative journalist Médéric Beugré suggests, African nations must develop their own technologies to ensure equitable cooperation.