BEIJING, Sept. 3,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Green cooperation is one of the
most highly anticipated topics at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). First, the China-Africa Dialogue
on Environment and Climate Change and the subsequent release of the
Initiative on Strengthening China-Africa Cooperation for Green and
Sustainable Development sparked widespread discussion. Shortly
after, during meetings with President Xi Jinping, leaders from
several African countries, including South Africa, Kenya and Zimbabwe, expressed their welcome for
China to deepen cooperation in
fields such as new energy. In a joint statement, China and South
Africa also announced to co-host the New Energy Investment
Conferences by chambers or associations of commerce from both
sides.
Green development is not only a part of the eight major
initiatives and nine programs jointly implemented by China and Africa under the framework of FOCAC, but also
a key area of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation between
China and Africa. Africa possesses abundant renewable energy
resources, such as wind, solar and geothermal energy, making it
possible to address the continent's energy shortages through green
development.
China's experience in and
assistance with green development also can help turn this vision
into reality. From the Sosian Geothermal Power Plant in
Kenya to the NOOR Solar Complex in
Morocco, and to Angola's Caculo Cabaça Hydropower Station,
known as the "Three Gorges Project of Africa," green energy projects under the FOCAC
framework have not only increased power supply in African
countries, enhanced energy security, and reduced dependence on
traditional energy imports, but also mitigated the impacts of
climate change across Africa and
globally.
Electric "boda-bodas" (motorcycle taxis) are another example of
green cooperation between China
and Africa. Due to their
flexibility, convenience and relatively low price, motorcycles are
a crucial mode of transportation for many people in Africa.
With the rise of ride-hailing services for motorcycles, the
African motorcycle market is experiencing tremendous growth.
"Made-in-China" electric
motorcycles, with their suitable performance and pricing for the
local environment, align with the trend of encouraging electric
mobility in many African countries and are warmly welcomed by the
African people.
Data shows that by 2027, the African electric motorcycle market
is expected to grow to $5.07 billion.
The promising market prospect has prompted many African enterprises
to collaborate with Chinese companies to produce and sell electric
motorcycles.
This is yet another example of the natural synergy between
"Made-in-China" and local
demand.
As developing countries, China
and African countries share a deeper empathy for national dignity,
independence, and the desire for development. China never adopts a condescending attitude to
tell African countries what they need. China's cooperation with Africa focuses on the continent's current
practical needs and also addresses its long-term development
challenges.
For example, Africa's "Great
Green Wall" initiative, launched in 2007 by the African Union, was
inspired by China's "Three-North
Shelter Forest Program." To help Africa combat desertification, China has hosted specialized workshops and
technical training sessions, sending experts to formulate plans
on-site. Through joint efforts, the "Great Green Wall" initiative
has achieved significant results.
Green cooperation has been a major highlight of China-Africa
cooperation. To date, China has
signed 19 South-South cooperation memorandums of understanding on
climate change with 17 African countries, and the ecological
environment departments of seven African countries have joined the
Belt and Road Initiative International Green Development
Coalition.
China has implemented hundreds
of clean energy and green development projects in Africa. Since 2021, China has participated in the construction of
more than 120 African climate projects. The projects to mitigate
and adapt to climate change, the jointly constructed low-carbon
demonstration zones, and the wind farms, hydropower stations, and
photovoltaic power stations that are springing up have all become
shining examples of China-Africa
green cooperation.
The reason why green cooperation between China and Africa is thriving ultimately lies in the fact
that China and Africa have seized the historic opportunity of
the new round of technological revolution and industrial
transformation, and have the inherent momentum to expand new
productive forces in key areas such as new energy.
This cooperation's vigorous vitality did not emerge suddenly,
nor was it developed overnight. Africa's enthusiasm for cooperation in new
energy production capacity is a manifestation of its positive
pursuit of development. The cooperation between China and Africa is one of the directions for jointly
promoting modernization and it is also an appropriate course of
action.
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SOURCE Global Times