China Southern Power Grid Deepens Energy Collaboration with Africa at Global South Forum

Strengthening Energy Ties: China Southern Power Grid in Africa

On November 13, 2025, the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum unfolded in Johannesburg, South Africa, focusing on enhancing cooperation between China and African nations, particularly in the energy sector. Among the notable attendees was a representative from China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG), who participated in the opening ceremony and shared insights on the company’s collaborative efforts with Global South countries.

During the event, Sun Shengjun, head of the Project Department for Regional Development in Africa and Europe at CSG, outlined the company's proactive approach to fostering energy connections in Africa. In 2023, Sun and his team traveled to Cairo, Egypt to address persistent challenges faced by the local electricity grid, such as high line losses and inadequate operational efficiency. The initiative aimed to implement CSG's operational strategies to reduce distribution network losses, while concurrently offering practical solutions tailored for local power providers.

CSG’s commitment extends beyond technical insights; the company has emphasized the necessity of developing qualified local workforce capabilities through targeted training programs and knowledge-sharing events. By aligning their advanced technology with local operational conditions and investing in staff education, CSG is dedicated to adapting their established systems to meet regional needs while nurturing local technical expertise. This dual focus aims to lay a solid foundation for sustainable long-term engagement.

Sun emphasized that CSG’s vision for energy collaboration is not merely transactional; instead, it perceives the relationship as a partnership grounded in mutual benefit and joint growth. As a forward-looking company, CSG is determined to continue investing its technology and management expertise into Global South countries, thereby reinforcing China's collaboration with Africa in the energy landscape and paving the way for broader cooperative initiatives.

Tackling Local Challenges with Proven Solutions

One key aspect of CSG's efforts in Egypt has been the implementation of specialized solutions that target the unique infrastructural and operational challenges of the local grid. In a collaborative spirit, CSG worked closely with the local utility company to introduce scalable and reproducible strategies designed to address common pitfalls that impact energy distribution efficiency.

The challenges faced by the Cairo grid are representative of a broader set of issues encountered across various regions in Africa, where energy demands are rapidly increasing amid infrastructural difficulties. Recognizing these complexities, Sun discussed CSG's collaborative framework, which includes technology sharing, joint ventures, and investment in human capital to promote sustainability in power delivery.

Building a Sustainable Future

Looking forward, CSG’s strategies reflect a commitment to fostering a sustainable energy ecosystem in Africa. By prioritizing local engagement, the company seeks not only to enhance energy infrastructure but to ensure that local communities are empowered with the skills and knowledge necessary for ongoing energy management and development.

This partnership model serves as a testament to how Chinese companies are increasingly engaging with African nations beyond mere commercial interests, aiming for long-lasting benefits for both parties involved. CSG stands as a pioneer in forging these crucial ties, paving the way for a more resilient energy future in the Global South.

Conclusion

The discussions at the Global South Forum underscore the pivotal role of international partnerships in shaping the energy narrative in Africa. As China Southern Power Grid continues to deepen its collaboration efforts, it sets a benchmark for future engagements that prioritize sustainability, mutual growth, and innovation in tackling energy challenges. With a shared vision for a robust energy future, these collaborative initiatives not only enhance service delivery but also contribute to the overall development of the communities they serve.