China-Africa energy cooperation: The transformation of arid regions into clean energy oases

China-Africa energy cooperation promotes the transformation of arid regions in Africa into clean energy oases.

Cheng Jin, Deputy Director and Associate Researcher, Institute of Ecological Studies, Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences

This article illustrates how China-Africa energy cooperation is redefining the survival logic of arid regions. What were once seen as development constraints—intense sunlight and vast wastelands—have now been transformed into new drivers of regional growth through China’s clean energy technologies. The article follows a logical framework of “technical challenges–model innovation–development empowerment” divided into three parts: (1) How China’s wind- and sand-resistant photovoltaic technology overcomes the efficiency bottleneck of power generation in arid areas; (2) The dual economic and environmental benefits of the “photovoltaic+ecological restoration+industry” trinity model ; (3) Localized technological innovation and industrial system development, including fostering the growth of local manufacturing, facilitating technology transfer and innovation, and enhancing Africa’s position within the global industrial chain.

In the vast deserts of sub-Saharan Africa, the scorching sun and sandstorms were once seen as obstacles to development. Today, they have been transformed into golden resources for growth through the combination of Chinese technology and African wisdom.

According to the latest data, the cumulative installed capacity of photovoltaic power stations built through China-Africa cooperation has exceeded 1.5 gigawatts, supporting Africa in alleviating energy shortages and addressing climate change.

Arrays of photovoltaic panels stretch across the desert like a green Great Wall; beneath them, drip irrigation systems nourish emerging greenery, while robotic arms in local factories assemble solar components labeled “Made in Africa.”

This energy revolution, co-written by China and Africa, not only revives arid lands into clean energy oases but also redefines the path for Global South countries to participate in climate governance.

Wind- and sand-resistant photovoltaic technology: Turning the “sunshine curse” into an “energy treasure trove”

In Africa’s arid regions, the annual average sunshine duration exceeds 3,000 hours—enough, in theory, to meet several times the world’s energy demand. However, raging sandstorms, extreme temperature variations, and water scarcity have long limited photovoltaic efficiency. Traditional solar panels can suffer up to a 40% drop in power generation when covered by sand, and frequent manual cleaning drives up maintenance costs. To address this, Chinese companies have developed sand- and wind-resistant bifacial dual-glass modules, automated cleaning robots, and tracking systems with smart mounting structures. These innovations have extended the lifespan of photovoltaic systems from 25 to 35 years, with each panel generating 15% more electricity over its lifetime.

In the deserts of Northern Cape Province, South Africa, a 248-meter-high solar tower surrounded by mirrors forms a spectacular sight. This is South Africa’s largest solar thermal power plant, built by a Chinese company. Over 40,000 mirrors around the tower automatically follow the sun via wireless control, maximizing solar energy collection. Meanwhile, molten salt stored in circular tanks retains heat for long periods, ensuring the connected steam turbines run continuously—even at night—allowing the plant to generate power around the clock.

“Photovoltaic + Ecological Restoration + Industry”: Creating a Circular Economy in the Desert

Successful cases such as the Kubuqi and Ulan Buh Desert photovoltaic projects in China have drawn international attention. Many solar farms built on arid desert land demonstrate significant ecological restoration: panels reduce ground temperature by 3–5°C and decrease evaporation by 30%, creating microclimates that support vegetation growth. Moreover, the windbreak and shading effects of solar arrays, along with artificial maintenance, contribute to improved vegetation, better soil quality, and enhanced local microclimates.

Suru Charles, an engineer from Nigeria’s Ministry of Transport, Railway Services Department, praised China’s desert solar model. During a specialized training session, he discussed the concept with Chinese experts and took detailed notes. “The model of generating power above the panels, restoring ecology below them, and farming between them brings both economic and environmental benefits. Many African countries have abundant sunlight and look forward to further China-Africa cooperation in this field.”

In September 2023, China officially launched the “African Solar Belt” initiative under South-South cooperation at the first Africa Climate Action Summit. This initiative focuses on Africa’s photovoltaic potential and clean energy development needs. Through building climate-friendly “PV+” projects, promoting climate and solar cooperation, conducting strategic planning, and implementing supportive policy and capacity-building programs, the project aims to create a model China-Africa photovoltaic cooperation zone to support African countries in climate action and green, low-carbon development.

Localized Innovation: The Awakening of Africa’s Clean Energy Industry Chain

China has been extensively providing technical assistance, promoting local capacity building and innovation in Africa under the philosophy of “teaching a man to fish.” This approach lays a solid human resource foundation for energy transition in African countries.

For instance, the Lower Kafue Gorge Hydropower Station in Zambia, supported by China, created 15,000 jobs and successfully facilitated the transfer and sharing of green development concepts and technologies. In April 2023, the Mafeteng Photovoltaic Power Station near Maseru, the capital of Lesotho, was connected to the grid and entered a three-year operation and maintenance phase. Chinese teams cooperated with the Lesotho Electricity Generation Company to train local photovoltaic engineers, enabling them to operate and maintain the station independently in the future.

Chinese technology is not simply transplanted; instead, it follows a three-step strategy of “joint R&D – local adaptation – industry incubation” to cultivate endogenous growth momentum in Africa. A photovoltaic component production line set up by a Chinese company in Mombasa, Kenya, has an annual capacity of 500 MW, covering the East African market. The project has stimulated the local component supply chain and created over 500 jobs.

Unlike traditional equipment exports, China and Morocco have jointly established a green energy laboratory, focusing on efficient utilization of renewable energy and advanced technology R&D. This initiative aims to optimize Morocco’s and Africa’s energy structure and foster sustainable development. This “teach to fish” strategy is propelling rapid growth in Africa’s new energy industry.

According to the 2024 Solar Annual Outlook: Review of Solar Development in African Countries released by the Africa Solar Industry Association, Africa added 3.74 GW of new solar capacity in 2023—a 19% year-on-year increase and a record high—bringing total installed capacity to 16.3 GW. South Africa ranked first, followed by Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Kenya, the Central African Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, and Egypt among the top contributors.

China-Africa mutually beneficial cooperation is turning Africa’s abundant natural resources into green drivers of socioeconomic development. This not only serves as a model of technology transfer but also reshapes the foundation of global climate governance—transforming regions most impacted by climate change into hubs of innovation and solutions.

Once forgotten, this land is now being woven into humanity’s sustainable future through clean energy. Here, each photovoltaic panel acts as a neuron of global climate governance; each drought-resistant crop is scripting a new paradigm of South-South cooperation—perhaps the most vivid footnote to the idea of a shared future for humankind.