China-Africa relationships have deepened over the past two years, characterized by increased financial assistance, investment and equipment development. China is now Africa’s largest trading partner, with alliances focused on building roads, trains and energy projects.
As the ninth Forum on China–Africa Cooperation ( September 4-6 ) kicks off in Beijing, a new, green theme is shaping their relationship: the global renewable energy race.
This growth, which places both regions as key people in the global shift towards natural strength, is analyzed by Lauren Johnston, a development analyst with experience in China-Africa relations.
How are China and Africa’s relations affected by the race for natural power?
Due to the global climate crisis, there is a demand for renewable energy technologies like solar and wind power that would reduce rely on polluting energy solutions. China was aware a few years ago that it had a chance to take the lead in such a novel sector.
Many of the crucial minerals needed to develop solar energy, such as copper, cobalt, and lithium, are found in Africa, making up the majority of the ingredients used to manufacture batteries. So, the quest for efficient energy is causing an abundance of these nutrients in Africa, with China, the US, and Europe as leaders.
Chinese mining presence in Africa, which is much lower than Western presence, is concentrated in five countries: Guinea, Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe and the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC ).
The DRC, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are just three examples of Africa’s fresh clean energy revolution. They are home to Africa’s metal buckle and the greatest business of sodium, copper and chromium.
The DRC is especially crucial. It has considerable cobalt, high-grade copper, and lithium reserves. Cobalt has a high melting point and electrical properties, making it exceptionally hard. It is a key element in sodium batteries.
More than 70 % of the world’s cobalt is produced in the DRC and 15 %-30 % of that is produced by artisanal ( informal ) and small-scale mining.
China is the leading international trader. It owns some 72 % of the DRC’s active cobalt and copper mine, including the Tenke Fungurume Mine – the world’s fifth-largest copper mine and the world’s second-largest cobalt mine.
China’s CMOC Group is the country’s leading cobalt mining business. It may make up to 70, 000 lots, thanks to the new Kisanfu me. About 70 % of the world’s cobalt output and 60 % of rare earths were made up of the DRC and China in 2019.
China has invested in Zimbabwe as well in the name of the natural energy competition. Zimbabwe is home to Africa’s largest lithium resources, a vital element in electric-vehicle power generation.
In 2023 Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe, a subsidiary of Taiwanese firm Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt, opened a US$ 300 million sodium processing plant. In contrast to the 200 million tons of tough stone lithium produced periodically, it has the capacity to process 4.5 million tons of it into concentrate for export.
A few other improvements on the globe are worth watching for. China is investing in the first mega-scale power shop on the globe, in Morocco.
Chinese interests even have authority to create the world’s largest untapped high-grade iron ore loan, in Guinea. In a number of ways, including in wind turbines and solar panel mounting buildings, metal iron plays a significant role in the renewable energy sector.
Different nations are parties to the contract to utilize the Simandou copper ore loan. China’s steel-making big Chinalco is among the people. Manufacturing is anticipated to start in the first half of 2026.
As China ladders up opportunities in these natural minerals, what concerns exist for American countries?
American minerals suppliers are faced with a number of challenges as a result of China’s growing control over important solar nutrients.
Many African nations want to increase the value of their mineral investment at home rather than import raw materials to China and import manufactures, which raises concerns for development for these American nations.
China has received criticism for sacrificing American interests by bringing benefit to China rather than Africa. Local business is determined to capture the market because many people and businesses on the African continent lack reliable, affordable energy.
For example, China controls over 80 % of the world production processes used to produce solar panels, according to the International Energy Agency. The focus of output in China, alongside opposition, has pushed down global solar panels costs.
China’s solar industry is keen to close Africa’s energy gap, providing sustainable energy to the millions that do n’t have access. For example, at this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation meeting, China is expected to expand its Africa Solar Belt Program.
The World Resources Institute supports this plan, which aims to use solar power to similar Africa’s energy space and places emphasise solar power in addition to solar power for schools and other facilities.
Some states, like South Africa, are pushing up by imposing taxes on renewable imports to protect their native business.
There are also concerns that the problems of employees in Africa are being hampered by the Chinese mining-sector companies ‘ policies and the transition to renewable energy. Some nations ‘ increased mine growth has also resulted in forced foreclosures and human rights violations.
What is American nations do differently to profit from China’s metal rush?
There are several possible actions they can acquire. Second, they may focus more on fundamental human rights and labour standards.
Next, American firms should aim to learn from their Chinese lovers. Similar to what China learned from Japanese, Taiwanese, Singaporean, and American companies in the past, they can grow the business knowledge and understanding of the skills and capabilities needed on the globe.
Next, take advice from how various emerging businesses conduct their exchanges with China. For example, with China’s support, Indonesia has taken command of the world metal industry. In 2014, Indonesia began to outlaw metal exports and began to establish its own control and manufacturing industries. This strategy was supported by Taiwanese purchases.
Finally, what I call China’s Hunan Model for Africa has a target on agriculture, mine, travel and construction companies and on building skills. Technical and technical education is included in this.
The better equipped their young people will be to contribute to economic growth and enhancement in Africa the more they place themselves to benefit from coaching programs abroad.
Lauren Johnston is a teacher in charge of the University of Sydney’s China Studies Center.
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