Hunan new energy firms team up for Africa push

The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo is held in Changsha, Hunan province, in June 2025.  [Photo/WeChat account: hunanswt]

A new alliance of Hunan new energy companies held its first conference in Changsha, marking a shift from individual efforts to coordinated expansion into African markets on July 21.

Launched last month at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Morocco, the Hunan New Energy Industry Alliance for Africa aims to help Hunan's new energy sector enter Africa in an organized, systematic way.

Hunan's strength lies in its comprehensive industrial chain, covering everything from solar components and energy storage to electric vehicles and power equipment. In the first half of 2023, exports of Hunan's "new three" products, including electric vehicles, lithium batteries, and solar products, reached 11.98 billion yuan, marking a 35.5 percent year-on-year increase.

Meanwhile, Africa faces growing demand for stable, clean power as it industrializes and develops its mineral resources. Chinese firms such as Sany and Red Solar have already constructed microgrids and solar storage projects in Guinea and Nigeria.

The alliance aims to move beyond selling individual products to provide integrated energy solutions. It will link companies with state-owned enterprises, financial support and African partners, while preventing self-defeating price competition.

"If you want to go far, go together," said Xiang Wenbo, the chairman of Sany Group.