COMESA and China Strengthen Clean Energy Cooperation

More than 30 energy experts from COMESA member states have gathered in Hangzhou, China, for a 14-day training programme aimed at strengthening technical expertise in renewable energy and supporting industrial development across Eastern and Southern Africa.

The seminar is organised through the Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa (RAERESA) in partnership with the International Centre on Small Hydro Power (ICSHP), under China’s Ministry of Commerce. It focuses on knowledge exchange, capacity building and closer cooperation between China and COMESA on clean energy development.

Opening the programme, Professor Geoffrey M. Aori highlighted several challenges facing the COMESA region, including inadequate energy infrastructure, low electricity access, limited regional power connectivity and shortages of technical expertise.

He said the region’s abundant hydropower, solar and wind resources present significant opportunities to accelerate industrialisation and support sustainable economic growth. However, infrastructure and skills gaps continue to slow progress.

Professor Aori pointed to China’s experience in renewable energy deployment, regional grid interconnection and technical capacity development as a valuable reference for COMESA member states seeking to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity.
Chinese officials described the seminar as part of broader efforts to deepen cooperation on clean energy.

Shang Cheng, Deputy Director of International Cooperation and Training, said COMESA has made notable progress in regional integration and advancing the green energy transition. He added that China has accumulated extensive experience in small hydropower development and has partnered with African countries through initiatives such as the Lighting of Africa programme.

According to Shang, the training reflects the shared commitment of China, RAERESA and COMESA to strengthen technical cooperation and accelerate renewable energy development across the region.
Huang Yan, Deputy Director of the International Center on Small Hydro Power, said developing reliable, inclusive and sustainable energy systems is fundamental to industrialisation, improving livelihoods and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

As African countries continue to pursue energy transition and electrification objectives, initiatives that strengthen technical capacity and encourage international collaboration are expected to play an increasingly important role in expanding renewable energy deployment and supporting long-term economic development.