Powering Africa: China’s Expanding Role in the Continent’s Energy Future

[Executive Summary] China has emerged as a pivotal partner in addressing Africa's critical energy infrastructure gap, with over 600 million people on the continent—primarily in sub-Saharan Africa—lacking electricity access. This research brief report examines Chinese-backed energy projects in Africa from 2020 to 2024, highlighting the scale, strategies, and implications of this partnership for Africa’s sustainable development goals.