18 November 2025

Online

African countries have pursued ambitious energy transition policies, despite slow progress on global climate finance commitments. Many countries have ramped up investment in renewables, driven by development and economic diversification objectives, as well as decarbonisation goals.

China has played a major role in Africa’s power sector over the past two decades through finance and investment in infrastructure. In recent years, a shift to ‘green’ cooperation has seen a boom in renewables and clean technology investment. However, Chinese overseas financing has been in decline, while African energy and power still face significant investment needs, with increasingly constrained resources.

This webinar brings together experts and policymakers to discuss findings from two new ODI reports on Chinese power investments in Africa: South Africa and Zambia.  The two SADC African states have been major recipients and partners for Chinese, as well as other international financing and investment in the continent. As Belt and Road financing models evolve, what experiences and lessons do these country case studies show about the potential and challenges of supporting green investment on the continent?

The webinar will present key highlights and findings from two new country reports, focused on South Africa and Zambia’s energy sector transitions, and the role of Chinese finance and investment. This will be followed by an expert panel discussion on Africa’s renewable energy sector and energy transition financing, and the role of Chinese investment.

Key questions

- What role do Chinese clean energy suppliers and contractors play in Africa’s energy sector?

- How are countries like South Africa and Zambia financing their energy transition and energy security needs, and what challenges do they face?

- What lessons emerge from South Africa’s and Zambia’s experience in power investment and transition financing?

- How can African, Chinese and international partners work to fill the investment gap to support energy security and transition goals?

More information here