Ambassador reveals Chinese investment interests in COMESA region, African continent

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, has revealed that Chinese businesses were actively seeking development opportunities in Africa, with a focus on mining and solar energy investments.

Ambassador Jing announced that China planed to invest in mining development and the construction of 50 megawatt solar energy plants as part of the newly launched Sinomine Kitumba mining project in Mumbwa District, Central Province.

He made these remarks on Tuesday in Lusaka while presenting his letters of credence to COMESA Secretary-General, Chileshe Kapwepwe, marking his accreditation as the Special Representative of China to COMESA.

“This project will not only supply energy for the sub-mining project but will also connect to the national grid, providing electricity to local communities,” Ambassador Jing stated, highlighting China’s commitment to developing clean energy sources in the region.

He further addressed COMESA’s need for 300 megawatts of energy, emphasizing that the solar energy initiative aligned with this demand.

Kapwepwe acknowledged China’s significant role as a major trading partner for the COMESA region, noting that China held a 19 percent market share of COMESA’s imports in 2023.

“The value of imports from China increased by 1.8 percent, from US$48 billion in 2022 to US$49 billion in 2023,” she said.

On the export front, COMESA’s exports to China rose by three percent, from US$24 billion in 2022 to US$25 billion in 2023.

Kapwepwe pointed out that China’s leadership in renewable energy, climate change mitigation, infrastructure, ICT and sustainable development aligned closely with COMESA’s priorities and objectives.

“By leveraging China’s expertise, resources and best practices, we can unlock new opportunities for collaboration and innovation that will benefit our region and beyond,” Kapwepwe added.

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