African countries can benefit from local renewable energy manufacturing in terms of economic development, climate change mitigation, and energy security, says Damilola Ogunbiyi, CEO and special representative of the UN secretary-general for sustainable energy for all and co-chair of UN-energy.
However, Ogunbiyi said they need support to grow these industries and make them competitive, which calls for international collaboration with global leaders in renewables development.
Ogunbiyi made this known at the SNEC 16th International Photovoltaic Power Generation and Smart Energy Conference, where the Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative (AREMI) brought together businesses from Africa and China as part of its mission to deliver a green industrial revolution in Africa.
The conference united leadership from nine African and 14 Chinese energy businesses, as well as financiers and energy sector experts, to identify opportunities and strategies for increasing Africa’s renewable energy manufacturing and export capabilities.
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According to a statement by SeforAll, there was a specific focus on the potential for investment, and knowledge and technology transfer between Africa and China.
A report published earlier this year by the Africa Renewable Energy Manufacturing Initiative found that South-South collaboration, such as strategic partnerships with China, India, and ASEAN countries, will be key to realising this potential.
These international partners require a range of pull factors, such as local market potential, the availability of necessary infrastructure, favourable enabling environment, and a strong local supply chain, to be in place before they will consider investment opportunities in Africa, SeforAll said.
“Strengthening international cooperation on renewable power is key to advancing the global clean energy transition, addressing the climate crisis, supporting economic development, and benefiting people in their daily lives,” said Xiaohua Zhang, China’s country director, Climate Works Foundation.
“As a global leader in renewables, China can play a pivotal role in promoting clean power worldwide. “The Climate Works Foundation is proud to support this South-South cooperation, and we hope to foster greater dialogue and partnerships among institutions and experts to help scale global green recovery and sustainable development.”
Okenwa Anayo, CEO and technical director of Nayo Tropical Technology Limited, said the AREMI partnership is a great platform to leverage in our new drive for growth, particularly through integration and scaled-up production in partnership with more advanced manufacturers from Asia and other parts of the world.
