Africa could emerge a winner from China’s war-induced energy shift.

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China’s transition to renewables could see African nations benefit as long as public-private partnerships help unlock potential gains.

In this piece, Guy explore how recent geopolitical instability—particularly theIran–Israel conflict—has accelerated a global shift away from dependence on Middle_Eastern oil. China’s pivot is one element of a broader energy recalibration, offering a rare and timely opportunity for Africa to assert itself in shaping the global energy future.

🌐 Major powers—including the U.S., EU, Japan, and China—are intensifying their outreach across the continent. But this moment must not be reduced to competition among external actors. It is a strategic opening for Africa to lead and set the terms of engagement.

🇲🇦 One example of that leadership is Morocco, a pioneer in clean energy:

~11.5 GW of renewable capacity, covering 40%+ of its power mix

Noor Ouarzazate solar complex: 1,470 GWh annual output

1.8 GW+ of wind energy, including the 301 MW Tarfaya wind farm

Target: 52% renewable energy by 2030, with ambitions in green hydrogen and ammonia exports

🔋 China has supported Morocco’s energy ambitions—through infrastructure financing, project development, and technology transfer. This collaboration, particularly on flagship projects like Noor Ouarzazate, shows that Africa can benefit from partnerships—when they are rooted in transparency, mutual benefit, and local ownership.

💡 Morocco’s experience underscores a critical truth: Africa does not lack ambition or ideas—it needs the right frameworks to turn them into lasting impact.

That’s why my message is clear:

🔑 Africa must move from being a supplier to becoming a strategic partner—and ultimately, a co-architect—of the global energy transition.

And to do that, we must:

 ✅ Build transparent, bankable frameworks, and finance project preparation.

 ✅ Prioritise local value creation, industrialisation and shared economic benefit

 ✅ Avoid the pitfalls of debt diplomacy by insisting on fair, long-term partnerships

 ✅ Leverage public-private diplomacy to negotiate from a position of strength

This isn’t just about reconfiguring global supply chains. It’s about redefining Africa’s role in the world—on its own terms and the elite in the Africa Diaspora have a unique role to play.