Africa-China energy collaboration: a new era begins in Shanghai

The African Energy Chamber (AEC) has launched a new international office in Shanghai, China, marking a strategic step to deepen energy collaboration between Africa and China

This move is aimed at fostering stronger partnerships between African governments, energy companies, and their Chinese counterparts while positioning Africa not just as a player, but as a force in global energy dialogue.

The Shanghai office will serve as a vital link for Chinese companies and government institutions seeking to invest in or collaborate with Africa’s energy sector. Bieni Da has been appointed as the Chief Representative of the AEC in China. He will lead all engagements and ensure the Chamber plays a key role in bridging the two regions. The goal is to encourage long-term cooperation and drive investments that benefit both Africa and China, especially in strategic sectors like energy infrastructure, technology, and development.

A core mission of the new office is to close Africa’s substantial energy financing gap, currently estimated between $31 billion and $50 billion. Although energy demand across the continent is rising, many African companies lack access to capital. The AEC sees China as a prime source of both funding and technical expertise. Under  Bieni Da’s leadership, the Shanghai office will actively work to connect Chinese financiers with African energy projects and scale up investment in oil, gas, renewables, and energy infrastructure.

In recent years, Chinese companies have increasingly invested in Africa’s energy landscape. For instance, Wing Wah is leading the US$2BN Bango Kayo oilfield expansion project in the Republic of Congo, focusing on monetising flared gas for domestic use. Meanwhile, CNOOC is expanding across the continent, engaging in deepwater exploration in Angola, pipeline development in East Africa, and offshore projects in Mozambique and Tanzania. CNPC has invested in Mozambique’s Coral South FLNG and signed a major crude oil agreement with Niger.

“The AEC wants to see greater Chinese investment across the entire African oil and gas value chain – from upstream projects to downstream infrastructure to manufacturing, power and technology. China offers significant expertise in these areas and the Shanghai office will unlock new collaborative opportunities in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, renewable energy and more,” said NJ Ayuk, executive chairman of the AEC.

The Chamber also plans to host high-level investment forums in Shanghai. These events will bring together African and Chinese leaders, government officials, and business executives to explore opportunities and forge lasting partnerships. The office will serve as a base for meetings, workshops, and knowledge exchange aimed at driving cross-border energy progress.

“Africa and China have a common goal: to eradicate energy poverty. It is time to walk the walk and bring Chinese expertise and capital to African projects.  Bieni Da, has a strong network in the public and private sector that will drive these engagements, giving Africa a chance to expand to a mutually beneficial relationship that is win-win with China. This office is a testament to making sure we leave our footprint,” added Ayuk.

The AEC’s expansion into China signals a new era of energy diplomacy, where both continents stand to gain through stronger collaboration, smarter financing, and sustainable energy development.