The China in Africa Podcast China’s Vital, Yet Poorly Understood Role in Africa’s Energy Sector
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Jul 24, 2025 Naa Adjekai Adjei, a recent PhD graduate and non-resident fellow at CGSP, dives into the complex dynamics of Chinese investment in Africa's energy sector. She discusses the surge in funding following the pandemic, highlighting how these investments are crucial in addressing energy shortages in sub-Saharan Africa. Adjei also clarifies misconceptions about the role of African governments in negotiating with Chinese entities and emphasizes the importance of capacity building in executing large infrastructure projects.
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China's Major Energy Impact
- Chinese-backed projects in Sub-Saharan Africa represent nearly 20% of installed generation capacity across 27 countries.
- This marks a significant and transformative presence in the energy-starved region.
African Agency in Energy Deals
- African governments have significant agency in negotiating Chinese energy projects.
- Misconception of China as a monolithic power overlooks the role African states play in shaping projects.
Negotiate and Oversee Projects
- African governments should actively negotiate loan terms, especially the ratio of concessional to commercial financing.
- They must oversee project implementation closely to ensure quality and timely construction.