African and Chinese Delegates Discuss Climate Change and Green Development Ahead of FOCAC 2024
In anticipation of the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), set to take place in Beijing from September 4-6, delegates from various African countries and their Chinese counterparts convened on August 27 for a critical meeting in Beijing. The session, titled the “China-Africa Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change,” was held under the theme “Sino-Africa Cooperation on Green and Low-Carbon Development: EVs and New Initiatives.” This fringe meeting highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to address environmental challenges and explore sustainable development strategies.
Panel discussion at the "China-Africa Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change," held in Beijing on August, 27.
Over the past two decades, China has significantly deepened its engagement with African nations through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This partnership has led to the construction and modernization of essential infrastructure, including roads, railways, and ports across the continent. In addition to infrastructure, Chinese companies have played a pivotal role in developing Africa's telecommunications sector, building more than half of the continent's wireless sites and high-speed mobile broadband networks. They have also spearheaded several green electricity projects, contributing to efforts to alleviate Africa's ongoing electricity crisis.
During the event, delegates underscored several financial obstacles that many African countries face in achieving their green energy goals. They also discussed the vast business opportunities that exist within the continent for mutually beneficial cooperation with Chinese enterprises. The dialogue emphasized the importance of leveraging these opportunities to foster sustainable growth and development.
Following the forum, Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined and leader of the African team of the research group on China-Africa Cooperation for the CCICED Special Policy Study on South-South Cooperation, alongside Gifti Nadi, Deputy Director for Africa at C40—a global organization supporting cities in implementing transformative low-carbon and climate-resilient actions—spoke to African Voices Platform. They addressed the specific challenges African countries face in adopting electric vehicles (EVs) to transform urban transportation in major cities and towns.
Ryder and Nadi highlighted the need for increased investment in green technology and infrastructure, as well as policies that support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles. They also stressed the importance of international cooperation, particularly between African countries and China, to overcome these challenges and advance toward a more sustainable future.
Delegates listen to a presentation at the "China-Africa Dialogue on Environment and Climate Change," held in Beijing on August 27.
As FOCAC 2024 approaches, the discussions from this fringe meeting provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of China-Africa relations, particularly in the context of environmental sustainability and climate resilience. The continued dialogue and cooperation between African nations and China are crucial for achieving shared goals of green and low-carbon development, benefiting both regions and contributing to global efforts against climate change.