The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is increasingly leveraging partnerships with China to accelerate its transition to renewable energy, senior officials said at the SADC Sustainable Energy Week held recently in Zimbabwe. With energy security and electricity access remaining major constraints across the region, collaboration with China an acknowledged global leader in green energy deployment is seen as a key enabler for sustainable development, industrialization, and regional integration.
SADC Executive Secretary Elias Magosi highlighted that coal-fired plants still dominate the region’s installed electricity capacity, accounting for 59 percent of generation, while hydropower contributes 24 percent. Despite these capacities, only about 56 percent of the population currently has access to electricity. “Energy security and universal access remain fundamental enablers of industrialization, sustainable growth, and regional integration,” Magosi said. The data reflects a pressing need to diversify the energy mix by incorporating solar, wind, and other renewable technologies.
Kudakwashe Ndhlukula, executive director of the SADC Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, emphasized that Chinese companies are pivotal to advancing the region’s green energy transition. China brings large-scale industrial capacity, advanced technologies, and financing options, enabling SADC countries to implement renewable projects more rapidly and cost-effectively. These partnerships have facilitated investment in solar, wind, and energy efficiency projects, with estimated project values ranging from US$50 million to over US$200 million per large-scale plant, depending on capacity and technology.
Madagascar’s Minister of Energy and Hydrocarbons, Ny Ando Ralitera, noted that his country is learning from China to promote sustainable solar adoption. He explained that China’s direct manufacturing capabilities lower the cost of renewable technologies while ensuring access to the latest-generation equipment. “One of the advantages of China is that it is a direct manufacturer. We can have a product of the latest tech generation at an affordable price. In terms of electricity and power generation, we are working closely with China,” Ralitera said.
In Zimbabwe, renewable energy adoption is being prioritized to bridge electricity supply gaps. Victor Utedzi, chief executive officer of Centragrid, which operates a photovoltaic power plant in Mashonaland West Province, highlighted China’s role in providing equipment, financing, and construction support for large-scale solar projects. “All large-scale projects in the renewable space, particularly solar, involve Chinese partners. We continue to count on them to support the development of these projects,” Utedzi said. Current solar projects in Zimbabwe supported by Chinese investment are estimated at US$100 million–US$150 million each, with combined capacity exceeding 200 MW.
China’s involvement not only accelerates project delivery but also ensures economies of scale, helping SADC countries achieve lower electricity generation costs. By adopting Chinese technologies and financing models, the region can scale renewable energy deployment, reduce reliance on coal, and improve energy access for millions. Analysts estimate that fully leveraging Chinese partnerships could increase electricity access by 15–20 percentage points over the next five years while simultaneously reducing carbon emissions by several million tons annually.
Looking ahead, officials stressed the importance of continued collaboration with China to expand renewable energy infrastructure, integrate regional electricity markets, and create new jobs in construction, operations, and maintenance. The adoption of solar, wind, and energy efficiency technologies is also expected to stimulate local supply chains, further boosting regional industrialization.
In conclusion, China’s partnership is pivotal to SADC’s energy transformation. By combining technical expertise, industrial-scale manufacturing, and investment financing, China enables Southern African countries to pursue a sustainable energy transition, enhance electricity access, and drive long-term economic growth. With continued cooperation, the region is positioned to close its energy deficit, promote industrial development, and achieve a greener, more resilient energy future.
