African countries have leveraged capital and technical expertise from Chinese companies to promote the adoption of green energy, including solar, geothermal, and wind power, senior industry executives have said.
NAIROBI, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) — African countries have leveraged capital and technical expertise from Chinese companies to promote the adoption of green energy, including solar, geothermal, and wind power, senior industry executives have said.
Speaking at Intersolar Africa 2026, which kicked off on Tuesday in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, the executives praised the role Chinese firms have played in advancing the decarbonization of Africa’s energy sector.
“The Chinese companies have been contributing a lot to the green transition across the continent. I would say they are catching up in terms of our expectations,” said Cynthia Angweya-Muhati, acting chief executive officer (CEO) of the Kenya Renewable Energy Association.
She noted that Chinese manufacturers of solar solutions have established robust supply chains in Africa while also training distributors and other players in the green energy ecosystem.
Dozens of Chinese new energy firms are exhibiting at the two-day event, East Africa’s leading exhibition and conference on solar power and energy storage.
Angweya-Muhati said the growing presence of Chinese companies has injected dynamism into Africa’s renewable energy market while meeting the needs of households and industrial users.
Rethabile Melamu, CEO of the South African Photovoltaic Industry Association, said partnerships with Chinese companies have ensured that critical solar components, such as modules, inverter systems, and mounting structures, are available in the mass market.
“We appreciate the support we have received from Chinese companies. They are playing a critical role in our energy transition,” Melamu said, adding that through win-win partnerships with Chinese firms, African countries will benefit from an energy transition that stimulates growth and empowers the youth through skills transfer.
Ayo Ademilua, CEO of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, said Chinese new energy companies have embraced the African market, pumping in investments aimed at helping communities secure a greener and more resilient future.
He believed that Chinese firms would continue to play a major role in Africa’s green transition through technology transfer and the establishment of factories producing essential components.
“We will see more technology transfer in terms of training, engineering, machine maintenance, and after-sales services. Chinese companies will be contributing significantly to the growth of renewable energy in Africa over the next few years,” Ayo added. ■
