World’s top emitter expresses intent to promote renewable energy during China-Africa Forum in Senegal

30 November 2021 | China intends to strengthen its support to Africa for low-carbon development and climate change adaptation, says President, Xi Jinping in a keynote speech delivered during the opening ceremony of Eighth Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Senegal yesterday.

During the Conference, President Jinping stated, in his speech delivered virtually, that China intends to advocate green and low-carbon development, actively promote solar, wind and other sources of renewable energy, work for effective implementation of the Paris Agreement on climate change and strengthen Africa’s capacity for sustainable development. China’s President, who did not attend COP26 in Glasgow earlier this month, however, did not give firm commitment of his country’s intention to divest from coal and other fossil fuels.

China is the world’s largest emitter of Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions, followed by the European Union and the United States — the three contribute 41.5% of total global emissions.

The theme of the FOCAC 2021 conference is to “Deepen China-Africa Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development to Build a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era”. Since its establishment, FOCAC has held seven Ministerial Conferences with three of these (2006, 2015 and 2018) doubling as Heads of State Summits. The previous Summit was held in 2018.

FOCAC Resolutions

By the close of the Conference on 30 November, FOCAC 2021 will adopt four resolutions:

• Dakar Declaration of the 8th Ministerial Conference of the FOCAC
• The Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024)
• The 2035 vision for China-Africa Cooperation
• Declaration on China-Africa Cooperation on climate change

The African Energy Transition Initiative

PACJA and WWF, who are implementing the Africa Energy Transition Initiative, with the support of TRAFFIC, organised a side-event during the Conference to enlighten Civil Society Organisations on the need to understand FOCAC and hold China to account on their commitments to reduce GHG emissions. Through the Initiative, the three CSOs intend advocate for and promote socially and environmentally sustainable infrastructure development, which aligns with 1.5⁰C pathways.

Africa Energy Transition Initiative is based on the premise that a stronger CSO engagement enhances renewable energy awareness and technical capacities of decision-makers and investors on opportunities, benefits and practical transition modalities that encourage the development, access and use of clean energy sources.

Before attending the Conference in Senegal, PACJA, WWF and other partners held a regional sensitization and capacity enhancement workshop one the 3^rd and 4^th November 2021 to: 

• Provide a platform for dialogue, exchange and sharing of good practices and lessons learned amongst key government officials, CSOs and other relevant stakeholders to inform their preparation for a strategic engagement in FOCAC 2021;
• Deepen Government Officials, Civil Society Organisations and opinion writers’ knowledge and understanding of the importance of FOCAC;
• Enhance environmental and social sustainability within the FOCAC process and enrich African countries’ engagement with China constructively;
• Develop recommendations that feed into the FOCAC 2021 process in order that trade and investment is guided by the principles of environmental and social sustainability and best international practices and that illegality and unsustainable trade in the natural resources is effectively and collaboratively eliminated.
• Increase capacity among civil society organisations (CSOs) to participate in the FOCAC processes and support the effective implementation of the FOCAC Action plan
• Plan for engagement at the FOCAC 21 Ministerial Conference/Summit

During the side-event dinner co-hosted by PACJA, WWF and TRAFFIC on 29 November in Senegal, the key workshop recommendations for Africa were shared with African delegations attending FOCAC in Dakar Senegal to enhance Africa’s position of a development trajectory guided by social and environmental sustainability and consistent with attainment of the SGDs and Agenda 2063 – The Africa We Want.

Trade between China and Africa has evolved in the last 20 years. FOCAC is an important pathway that can provide opportunities for inclusive green growth, sustainable development and just recovery. CSO recommendations for FOCAC included:

• The FOCAC action plan should an open monitoring system to enable tracking and implementation of agreed projects
• The FOCAC plan should be clear on curbing deforestation, illegal and unsustainable wildlife trade, promoting renewable energy, and addressing biodiversity. While we recognize China’s closure of domestic ivory market, similar decisive action should be taken to stop sale of pangolin scales, rhino horns and tiger bones.
• The FOCAC process should be expanded to involve more stakeholders at both national and continental level. If possible, the processes should be two pronged: On one hand, consultations should involve all relevant ministries, CSOs, and the private sector, and on the other hand, a synchronized approach should be adopted so that more stakeholders can be involved in the preparation and participation in the ministerial conference.
• FOCAC should also focus on developing Africa human technical capacity particularly the youth.

Furthermore, FOCAC 2021 investments should lead to:

• Green growth and energy transition by identifying development priorities and investment opportunities in line with national and international climate change commitments.
• A global shift in demand and financing for green investments, in line with international standards and benchmarks as well the Paris Agreement.
• Enhanced coordination, integration, transparency and accountability in the implementation of projects in order to fact track transition to net zero emissions.
• Investment of sustainable projects that Uphold the highest environmental safeguards, adhere to national and international laws, and can help to reduce poverty and enhance social inclusivity.