Chinese government officials have stressed the urgent need for Africa to be integrated into the global green transition to effectively address pressing environmental and climate challenges. This call was made during a press briefing at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Beijing on Monday.
Key officials present included Xu Jianping, Director-General of the Department of Regional Opening-up at the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), and Wang Heming, Director-General of the Bureau of Sub-Saharan African Affairs at the International Department of the Central Committee of the CPC (IDCPC).
The officials emphasized that green and low-carbon development is the way forward for both China and Africa, offering new avenues for cooperation. However, they noted that Africa has only received 2% of global green energy investments over the past decade, creating a significant “green divide” that needs to be bridged.
The cooperation between China and Africa has already led to the creation of the China-Africa Environmental Cooperation Centre (CCAC) and the Belt and Road International Alliance for Green Development. Since its establishment in November 2020, the CCAC has played a pivotal role in promoting green initiatives, policy dialogues, and joint research projects.
The Green Alliance, launched at the 2019 Belt and Road Forum, now includes over 170 partners from more than 40 countries, including seven African nations. The alliance has facilitated numerous high-level dialogues, joint research efforts, and capacity-building programs that have trained over 1,500 participants from African countries in environmental management and green technology.
Chinese officials also highlighted ongoing efforts to boost green industry cooperation and international communication through initiatives such as the Green Silk Road Emissaries Programme and the Voice for Nature China-Africa Environmental Protection Media Action. These programs aim to share green development experiences and foster practical cooperation between China and Africa, promoting sustainability and addressing climate change across the continent.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
