Leaders and experts from the Global South gathered in Beijing this week for the 2025 International Energy Executive Forum, emphasizing cross-border collaboration to address energy inequality and accelerate the renewable transition. The two-day event, which concluded on December 12, highlighted Africa's dual challenge of untapped renewable potential and persistent energy access gaps.
Peter Mwangi Kagwanja, head of Kenya's Africa Policy Institute, noted: 'While Africa boasts 60% of the world’s solar resources, over 600 million residents still lack reliable electricity. Our partnership with Chinese technical experts this year has already enabled 12 new microgrid projects across the continent.'
Peking University’s Zhou Yongmei outlined practical cooperation models, stating: 'China’s installed renewable capacity now exceeds 1,500 GW – expertise we’re sharing through South-South knowledge exchanges. Last month’s joint wind power initiative with Chile demonstrates how technology transfer can create localized solutions.'
The forum concluded with plans to establish a multilateral clean energy working group, set to convene in Nairobi during Q2 2026.
