The Invest in African Energies Shanghai Forum, held in Shanghai on March 13, 2025, brought together key players from both China and Africa to discuss ways to strengthen business ties and enhance energy access across the African continent. The forum, organised by the African Energy Chamber (AEC) and the Shanghai Development Research Foundation, served as a platform to explore strategic areas of collaboration between Chinese companies and African nations in the energy sector.
At the event, speakers reaffirmed China’s commitment to helping Africa achieve its energy development goals. With over 600 million people in Africa lacking access to electricity and 900 million without access to clean cooking solutions, the continent faces significant energy challenges. Leveraging China’s expertise in technology-driven oil, gas, and energy development, African companies are encouraged to tap into Chinese investments to overcome these challenges.
Investment opportunities for Chinese firms
During the forum, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the AEC, emphasised the importance of Chinese investment in Africa’s energy sector. “We want to see investments in African energy. The AEC will continue to support Chinese businesses that want to invest in China and give you the priority needed for you to invest in our beautiful continent,” he stated.
China’s role as a major partner in Africa’s energy sector is gaining increasing significance. Chinese firms are already making strides in the African market, particularly in oil and gas, green energy, and electrification. For African players looking to unlock their underdeveloped resources, partnerships with Chinese firms provide valuable capital and technology. This cooperation not only supports emerging players but also enables established African companies to boost production capacity as part of long-term energy development efforts.
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South Africa sees China as a crucial partner
Phuti Joyce Tsipa, Consul General of the South African Consulate-General in Shanghai, highlighted the value of enhanced cooperation with China. She noted, “Together, China and South Africa can work towards building a high-quality international community that can work on a prosperous future, centred on balanced economic growth. Increased energy investment in Africa is at the heart of our future prosperity. We see China as a critical country to partner with, not only with South Africa, but the entire continent.”
The forum featured over 100 participants, including consulates, private firms, investors, and policymakers. Presentations focused on the potential opportunities for Chinese firms in Africa, strategies to advance African industrialisation and electrification, and the positive impact Chinese technology could have on the African energy market. The discussions provided valuable insights into how both parties can work together to ensure the sustainable development of Africa’s energy infrastructure.
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The role of green energy and technological innovation
China is already a leader in the development of green energy technologies, with a national goal to become carbon neutral by 2060. The country is heavily investing in low-carbon energy solutions, which include innovations in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. These technological advancements present an opportunity for African nations to leverage Chinese expertise to help meet their energy needs while advancing their own environmental and development goals.
Dr. Bieni Da, Chief Representative for China at the AEC, and Yide Qiao, Vice Chairman and Secretary General of the Shanghai Development and Research Foundation, both stressed the importance of collaboration between China and Africa in the energy sector. Dr. Qiao remarked, “China has strong technology in green energy and cooperation can be extended to Africa.”
Chinese firms leading oil and gas projects in Africa
Chinese companies, such as the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), are already leading several energy projects across Africa. Dr. Wang Zengye, Deputy Director-General of the Policy Research Office at CNPC, provided an overview of the company’s ongoing projects in the region. He stated, “Bilateral relationships between China and Africa are already quite strong and high-level cooperation has been established. This ensures that investment can flow.”
The forum also discussed the establishment of industrial hubs in China, with companies like Yunan County Chuangxing Industrial Investment Group centralising manufacturing operations. These hubs can be replicated in Africa to help support the continent’s industrial growth and economic development.
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Looking ahead to African Energy Week
The Shanghai Forum set the stage for the upcoming African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, scheduled for September 29 to October 3, 2025, in Cape Town. AEW is the largest event of its kind in Africa, and the forum aims to foster collaboration and investment in the continent’s energy sector. Chinese companies attending AEW will have the opportunity to gain insights into African projects and strengthen ties with local firms.
Johnson Kayode Obembe, Sales Director at African Energy Week, summed up the importance of such gatherings: “If you work in any energy field, we are able to help you connect with key stakeholders. We support policy that enhances local content and infrastructure development. It is time to invest in Africa.”
