A conference themed “Power Interconnection and Green Investment: Promoting a Shared Green Future in Africa” was held in Luanda, Angola’s capital, on Tuesday.
The event was co-organized by the African Union Development Agency, the Mission of China to the African Union (AU), and the Global Energy Interconnection Development and Cooperation Organization (GEIDCO), as part of the Luanda Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development.
Liu Xiaoming, counsellor of the Mission of China to African Union, said that China has worked hand in hand with the AU and African countries to promote the implementation of a large number of green and low-carbon infrastructure projects across the continent.
The Global South should shape its own path and China will support Africa’s green, coordinated and sustainable development, said Liu.
GEIDCO Executive Vice Chairman Liu Zehong said that Africa has abundant clean energy and mineral resources, while facing challenges such as insufficient energy supply, weak infrastructure, and the need to accelerate industrialization and enhance climate resilience.
He said efforts should focus on building an African energy interconnection system that is clean-dominant, electricity-centered, interconnected and intelligent, reducing fossil fuel dependence, strengthening power connectivity, as well as promoting the coordinated development of “power-mining-smelting-industry-trade.”
Robert Lisinge, director of the Technology, Innovation, Connectivity and Infrastructure Division at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, said Africa continues to face challenges in energy access and infrastructure connectivity, with significant investment gaps.
He underlined regional power integration and green energy investment as key drivers for sustainable development and climate resilience, reaffirming the commission’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with all stakeholders.
During the conference, the GEIDCO proposed “five innovations” for promoting interconnection and development in Africa, including planning, standards, projects, investment and infrastructure integration.
The China-Africa Development Fund said that it has committed more than eight billion U.S. dollars of investment to 39 African countries over the past 18 years and will continue exploring the coordinated development model of “power-mining-smelting-industry-trade.”
The Luanda Financing Summit for Africa’s Infrastructure Development, initiated by Angolan President and AU Chair Joao Lourenco, is underway in Luanda from Tuesday to Friday with over 3,000 participants. Enditem
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