China's new energy technologies support green development in African countries

CHANGSHA, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Green energy cooperation is a hot topic at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, which is taking place in central China from June 12 to 15.

During the expo, cooperation deals between Chinese and African companies were made in photovoltaics and electric vehicles. In the expo's green energy exhibition hall, business representatives discussed potential collaborations amid the display of agricultural machinery, solar panels, and sleek electric vehicles.

EVS PLUS CHARGING SOLUTIONS

At the display stand of electric two-wheeler brand Yadea, electric scooters colored lemon yellow and olive green attracted crowds. These vehicles, with a length of 1.5 meters and a range of 130 kilometers, are specifically tailored for the road conditions in African countries.

"We adapt designs to local needs, like raising the chassis for Kenya's speed bumps to ensure safety and comfort," said Zhang Yi, Yadea's East & South Africa Market Operational Director. The enthusiasm for EVs in Africa stems from their energy cost savings and reduced dependence on imported fuel, and Zhang sensed this from the positive response to Yadea's new stores in Ethiopia and Morocco.

But this company's commitment extends beyond sales. "We're helping clients improve EV ecosystems," Zhang added.

This company helps connect clients in African countries without adequate electricity infrastructure with Chinese suppliers of charging and battery-swapping solutions. This collaboration facilitates integration of energy infrastructure and vehicles, delivering convenient and green mobility solutions.

The necessity for improved industrial collaboration chains was echoed by Nigerian entrepreneur Jubril Arogundade at a forum of this expo. "We want green energy for our vehicles, not diesel," he said, emphasizing the need for charging infrastructure and partnerships with green energy firms to address this issue.

China has consistently emphasized energy cooperation with African countries. According to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027), China encourages investment in renewable energy projects across Africa. China and African countries will promote the exchanges of expertise, the best practices, and innovative solutions in renewable energy.

Beyond national-level strategic dialogues, Chinese enterprises are actively driving China-Africa green energy collaboration by supporting localized sustainable electricity systems.

PRAGMATIC POWER PARTNERSHIPS

At the booth of Yingchen New Energy Technology Co., Ltd. (YCSOLAR), the slogan "Providing Full-Scenarios Green Power Solution" was printed on backboard. Project Development Manager of the company's Overseas Business Department Zhang Zixu was introducing PV-storage-diesel integrated microgrid system to African merchants.

Designed to tackle Africa's energy access gaps in remote areas, this system integrates three core components: solar arrays for daytime generation, battery storage for nighttime use, and diesel backup for cloudy and rainy days. This system empowers clients to address the dual challenges of unreliable grid infrastructure and erratic power supply.

In the rural outskirts of the city of Kano, Nigeria, where daily grid electricity often falls short at just four hours, an entrepreneur partnered with YCSOLAR to electrify a sesame processing facility. The microgrid installation now enables a 22-hour daily operating schedule, transforming the plant into a new contributor to the local economy, with a projected payback period of four to five years.

"Stable power is the bedrock for industrialization," explained Zhang, who has participated in projects powering African households, stores, agribusinesses and even wildlife conservation areas through these tailored systems.

This pragmatic approach shows that Chinese firms are moving beyond just exporting equipment; they are now providing tailored energy solutions that align with Africa's developmental realities.

"China's global leadership in solar and electric vehicle innovation, combined with its competitive pricing, makes China-Africa collaboration essential for energy access on the African continent." Ademola Ogunbanjo, president of Oando Clean Energy in Nigeria, told Xinhua during the expo.

SHARING URBAN ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE

In the Ghanaian capital of Accra, sanitation vehicles from Chinese environmental tech firm Infore Enviro operate silently before dawn, efficiently transporting waste along predetermined routes.

Zhang Hengsen, sales director of Overseas Business Department of Infore Enviro, is proud that the company has contributed to the upgrade of local urban sanitation technology and operational model.

Over the past two decades, the number of Infore Enviro vehicles operating in Ghana has grown from a hundred to nearly a thousand, and the company has gained the trust of local people through proven reliability, advanced transport efficiency and intelligent cleaning systems.

As Accra's population grows, municipal priorities have shifted from acquiring machinery to establishing sustainable waste management ecosystems.

Leveraging its domestic expertise, Infore Enviro designed a tailored system considering Accra's infrastructure limitations and demographic patterns, including a full waste collection and transfer network, encompassing mapped collection points, scheduled logistics and operational planning for processing stations. A skilled local team of technicians and managers was trained to ensure the stability of the system.

The sharing of environmental management experience has been affirmed. Local sanitation officials reported a clear improvement in cleanliness standards and operational efficiency, while citizens acknowledged the improved urban environment and healthier living conditions.

"China is facilitating Africa's green transition through providing affordable products, with cooperation extending beyond hardware exports to include knowledge transfer and local skills development -- aiming to enable the continent to build sustainable green development," said Xu Xiangping, head of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council. ■