Africa is at a turning point in its energy journey. With millions still lacking access to reliable electricity, solar power is becoming a key solution—especially with strong backing from China. Recent developments highlight how China-Africa partnerships are reshaping the continent’s energy landscape with clean, affordable, and scalable solar solutions.
In June 2025, Zambia launched a 100-megawatt solar plant in Chisamba built by PowerChina. This project now supplies clean power directly to First Quantum Minerals, helping reduce Zambia’s dependence on hydropower and boosting energy resilience (Reuters, 2025a). Meanwhile, Burkina Faso and Namibia are also moving forward with Chinese-funded solar stations that include battery storage for added grid stability.
China’s efforts go beyond infrastructure. Under the 2025–2027 China-Africa Action Plan, Beijing has pledged support for 30 green energy initiatives across the continent, offering financial backing and technological expertise (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, 2024). The Africa Solar Belt, launched earlier this year, aims to connect African nations with a regional clean energy grid, enhancing electricity trade and reducing carbon emissions (SolarQuarter, 2025).
On the supply side, China remains the world leader in solar panel manufacturing—accounting for over 75% of new global solar capacity. In just the first four months of 2025, China added 105 gigawatts of solar power at home, helping drive down costs for developing regions like Africa (PV-Tech, 2025). New environmental policies are also improving the sustainability of Chinese-made solar components (Reuters, 2025b).
The impact is already visible. In South Africa, power outages have led to a boom in solar imports. Herholdt’s Group, a major solar supplier, has seen its business grow more than tenfold since 2018—thanks in part to partnerships with Chinese brands (Financial Times, 2025).
With more than 100 megawatts of new solar capacity expected across 18 African countries this year, the continent is rapidly embracing renewables. As China supports Africa’s solar future through financing, infrastructure, and technology, the relationship is proving mutually beneficial—and deeply transformative.
Sources
- Financial Times. (2025). South African power cuts boost solar supplier. https://www.ft.com/content/28bfd7b3
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. (2024). Beijing Action Plan 2025–2027. https://www.mfa.gov.cn/eng
- PV-Tech. (2025). China adds record 105GW solar PV. https://www.pv-tech.org
- Reuters. (2025a). Zambia launches 100MW solar plant. https://www.reuters.com
- Reuters. (2025b). China sets renewable standards. https://www.reuters.com
- SolarQuarter. (2025). Africa Solar Belt Initiative. https://solarquarter.com
