China canvasses Africa inclusion in global green transition process

China has underscored the need for Africa to be included in the global green transition process to effectively tackle environmental and climate challenges.

The Chinese government officials disclosed this while fielding questions from Journalists’ at the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Monday in Beijing, China.

The officials include Ms. Xu Jianping, Director-General, Department of Regional Opening-up of National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).

Mr. Wang Heming, Director-General, Bureau of Sub-Saharan African Affairs of International Department, Central Committee of CPC (IDCPC) was also present.

The officials said: “Green and low-carbon development has become the choice of our times and brought new opportunities for China-Africa cooperation.

“Based on report of the International Renewable Energy Agency, Africa accounted for only 2 per cent of global green energy investment in the past 10 years, which is creating a new green divide.

“In order to effectively address pressing environmental and climate challenges, Africa must be included in the global green transition process.”

They commended China-Africa cooperation to have brought about the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Centre (CCAC) and International Alliance for Green Development along the Belt and Road.

According to the officials, since the CCAC was officially inaugurated in November 2020, it has advanced  cooperation on China-Africa Green Envoys Programme and China-Africa Green Innovation Programme.

It has also strengthened exchanges and dialogue on environmental policies and joint research on environmental issues.

“This has become a new starting point for China-Africa environmental cooperation.

“The Belt and Road International Alliance for Green Development hereinafter referred to as Green Alliance was jointly launched by Chinese and foreign partners, during the second Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, referred to as the Forum in 2019.

“Thus, the forum became first international environmental social group under the framework of the Green Belt and Road in May 2023.

“Relying on platforms such as the China-Africa Centre and the Green Alliance, China and African countries have made positive progress in green development cooperation,” the officials stated.

They mentioned roles played by the Centre to include carrying out dialogue and exchanges, focus on the implementation of the outcomes of FOCAC, as well as the China-Africa dialogue on Ecological Environment and Climate Change.

They said as of August, the Green Alliance had attracted not less than 170 partners from more than 40 countries, including environmental management departments of seven African countries.

The partners, they said, held nearly 100 high-level dialogue events such as Belt and Road Green Innovation conference and green development roundtable.

“We carried-out joint research on climate change and sustainable development, issued nearly 30 research reports including the Belt and Road Green Development Guide, and the Belt and Road Green Case Report to share the concept and practice of green development under the Belt and Road Initiative.

“This will provide policy suggestions for relevant parties such as government departments, financial institutions and enterprises in co-building countries such as China and Africa, to promote and participate in the green Belt and Road Initiative.

“Capacity building has been carried out through  implementation of the Green Silk Road Emissaries Programme and the China-Africa Green Emissaries Programme.

“Since 2005, more than 1,500 participants have been trained for African countries in fields such as environmental management, pollution prevention and control, green economy and climate change.

“This is to promote green industry cooperation relying on the Belt and Road Environmental Technology Exchange and Transfer Centre in Shenzhen, advance photovoltaic power generation and energy storage, sewage treatment, electric two-wheelers and other green technologies in Kenya, Ethiopia and other African countries.”

They further mentioned that it will promote international communication, boost the Green Silk Road international communication project and the Voice for Nature China-Africa Environmental Protection Media Action.

It will also share green development concepts, experience, practical cooperation outcomes, tell China-Africa climate as well as tell environmental protection stories.