In a move to accelerate economic development across Africa, the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding with the Export-Import Bank of China (CEXIM) last month to promote collaboration in clean energy, transportation, telecommunications and climate change mitigation sectors. This agreement builds on their existing partnership, first established in 2018, and is set to unlock crucial funding and collaboration for trade and infrastructure projects across the continent.
As Africa’s energy and infrastructure needs grow, this partnership is key to securing financing for vital energy projects, which are essential for meeting the continent’s energy demands. With energy challenges hindering industrialization and sustainable growth, the collaboration holds significant potential for transformative change, strengthening ties between Africa and China and opening new avenues for investment in the energy sector.
China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for over a decade, with CEXIM’s ongoing commitment to supporting African energy infrastructure reflecting its strategic focus on the continent. The partnership between AFC and CEXIM is expected to unlock significant investment opportunities in renewable energy, natural gas and other sustainable energy sources. Africa’s vast natural gas reserves are not only crucial for meeting local energy needs, but also position African nations as key suppliers to international markets, particularly in Asia, where demand for LNG is surging.
In addition to energy, the partnership will support infrastructure development across transportation, telecommunications and climate change mitigation, helping African countries build the critical infrastructure needed to foster economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Ahead of the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris this May, which focuses on driving energy investments and maximizing returns in the sector, the partnership holds key implications for Africa’s energy industry. As Africa accelerates its energy transition, collaborations like the AFC-CEXIM partnership are critical in ensuring the continent remains an attractive investment destination.
The AFC’s collaboration with CEXIM is a vital step in enabling Africa to meet its energy demands and contribute to global energy markets. This partnership underscores Africa’s potential to lead in sustainable energy development, with the upcoming IAE Forum serving as an opportunity to capitalize on this momentum.
IAE 2025 is an exclusive forum designed to facilitate investment between African energy markets and global investors. Taking place May 13-14, 2025 in Paris, the event offers delegates two days of intensive engagement with industry experts, project developers, investors and policymakers. For more information, please visit www.invest-africa-energy.com. To sponsor or participate as a delegate, please contact sales@energycapitalpower.com.
