The 2025 South Africa International Solar and Energy Storage Exhibition was recently held in Johannesburg, drawing 650 exhibitors from around the world. Many Chinese companies at the event pointed to one of their key advantages: a well-developed supply chain that supports a full range of renewable energy solutions.
Source: China News Service
The 2025 South Africa International Solar and Energy Storage Exhibition was recently held in Johannesburg, drawing 650 exhibitors from around the world. Many Chinese companies at the event pointed to one of their key advantages: a well-developed supply chain that supports a full range of renewable energy solutions.
Africa faces severe energy shortages, with nearly 600 million people lacking electricity. Yet, the continent’s abundant sunlight creates ideal conditions for solar power expansion, making it an attractive market for global energy companies—including those from China.
Zhou Sheng, Chairman of Dongguan Weining New Energy Co., Ltd., highlighted China’s integrated supply chain, which spans raw materials, power conversion systems (PCS), battery management systems (BMS), energy management systems (EMS), and system integration. This streamlined ecosystem lowers costs and makes solar energy storage solutions more affordable, allowing more African households to access reliable power.
Xia Hesheng, President of Huawei Southern Africa Digital Power Business, noted that frequent power outages, high electricity prices, and falling solar technology costs are pushing African businesses to move beyond just consuming electricity to producing their own energy. With its supply chain expertise, Huawei provides end-to-end solutions that improve efficiency, optimize operations, and minimize downtime.
Chinese companies are also strengthening technology partnerships and industry collaboration in Africa. During the exhibition, China National Building Material Group (CNBM) signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Hisense Kelon Air Conditioning, integrating renewable energy with energy-efficient home appliances. Jiang Fei, General Manager of CNBM’s Overseas Division, emphasized that deep localization—from building local teams and supply chains to securing financial partnerships—is essential for long-term success in Africa. This process not only supports business growth but also contributes to job creation, workforce development, and the expansion of Africa’s renewable energy sector.
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