Beijing: China is positioning itself as a global leader in renewable energy and has invested heavily in the sector over the past two decades.

According to Global Voices, while China supports its renewable sector and consolidates its supply chain, it is also investing in mega-projects that exploit natural resources like coal and oil, particularly in Africa. This has led to concerns among environmentalists about China's dual role in Africa's fight against environmental injustice.

China, as a strategic partner to Africa, promises investments that could facilitate the continent's transition to green energy, making its energy grid more resilient. During a tour of Africa in January 2025, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized China's commitment to supporting Africa's green transition. He highlighted that China supplies over 70 percent of the world's wind power equipment and 80 percent of photovoltaic components. The installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants built with Africa exceeds 1.5 gigawatts.

However, China remains the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, accounting for over 30 percent of emissions. It continues to invest in and exploit fossil fuels in Africa, with significant investments in oil extraction in countries like Niger, Uganda, and Angola, and regular oil imports from Chad, Congo, and Nigeria. This reflects China's complex position, balancing its industrial growth with its ambition to be a green energy leader.

Concerns about China's role in Africa are compounded by fears of increased economic dependence. Scholars warn that Chinese loans could trap African countries in debt, limiting their climate policy options. The partnerships, while addressing climate change impacts, may lead to economic dependence, as noted by Jana de Kluiver of the Institute for Security Studies.

Projects supported by China have significant local impacts, including population displacements, deforestation, and environmental degradation, affecting vulnerable communities. The FILIMBI citizen movement in the Democratic Republic of Congo has criticized Chinese miners for polluting the Arwini River and highlighted the lack of reparations for affected populations, as reported by Projet AfriqueChine.

Africa finds itself at a crossroads between promises of a greener future and ongoing exploitation of resources. Balancing the Sino-African partnership with environmental justice principles is crucial. A stronger partnership, focusing on technology transfer and local technical training, is necessary for sustainable development. As investigative journalist Médéric Beugré suggests, African countries need to develop their own technologies to ensure fair cooperation.