The African Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative brought together companies from Africa and China at the 16th International Photovoltaic and Smart Energy Conference (SNEC) as part of its mission to realize a green industrial revolution in Africa. In a further demonstration of South-South cooperation, the round table brought together executives from nine African and fourteen Chinese energy companies, as well as financiers and energy sector experts, to identify opportunities and strategies for increasing renewable energy manufacturing and export capacity in Africa.
Particular attention was paid to investment, knowledge and technology transfer opportunities between Africa and China. This opportunity for African companies to express their expansion needs directly to their Chinese counterparts was organized by Sustainable Energy for All and the China Renewable Energy Industry Association. The two partners are part of the African Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative, alongside the African Climate Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies and ClimateWorks Foundation.
Several opportunities for African countries
A report published earlier this year by the African Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative identified opportunities for the manufacture and assembly of solar photovoltaic materials and batteries in several African countries. The report concluded that South-South cooperation, such as strategic partnerships with China, India and ASEAN countries, will be essential to realize this potential. These international partners require several attractive factors, such as local market potential, availability of the necessary infrastructure, a favorable environment and a strong local supply chain, before considering investment opportunities in Africa. Today’s roundtable was designed to address some of these key obstacles.
With a particular focus on facilitating South-South cooperation, the African Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative plans to organize further roundtables throughout the coming year, to continue to stimulate investment and mobilize action for Africa’s green industrial development.
