doi:10.18449/2025MTA-WP19
Energy infrastructure projects in Africa financed by Chinese loans prioritise hydropower over solar or wind power. These projects suffer from low transparency, high government corruption, and the concessionality of loans significantly impacts their successful completion.
Operations manager Fang Wenjun (R) from Chinese firm Kaishan Group record statistics of sensors at the Sosian Menengai 35 MW Geothermal Power Plant in Nakuru county, Kenya, September 9, 2024.
© picture alliance / Xinhua News Agency | Han Xu
Under Trump 2.0, the United States withdrew from Just Energy Transition Partnerships such as the one with South Africa, resulting in significant financial setbacks that led to the cancellation of energy transition projects, compromised emissions reduction goals, and deepened dependence on coal power.
China’s engagement with Africa is significantly shaped by its subnational actors, especially provincial and local governments. This policy brief examines Zhejiang Province to explore its motivations and tactics, highlighting how it mobilizes city-level actors to foster stronger economic ties with Africa.
doi:10.18449/2025MTA-PB36
For Just Energy Transition Partnerships (JETPs) to be truly “just” they must prioritize social equity and inclusivity. This policy brief analyses a South African case study to identify challenges and opportunities for an equitable energy transition.
doi:10.18449/2024MTA-PB30
In the run-up to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 2024, many eyes are on China's growing influence in Africa. “What is the European dilemma in dealing with China in Africa?” asks Karoline Eickhoff in this Spotlight, which offers suggestions for dealing with competitive dynamics.