From 24th -27th of November 2025, the 2nd China-Africa Forum on Green Energy Science and Technology Innovation, hosted by Shandong Jianzhu University, organized by the University of Johannesburg, and co-organized by the Shandong International Talent Exchange Service Center, was successfully held in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Representatives from governmental science and technology departments, universities, and enterprise research teams from China, South Africa, Ghana, Botswana, Benin, and other countries gathered to engage in dialogue on green energy technological innovation, advancing China-Africa scientific and technological cooperation to a higher level. During the opening ceremony, remarks were delivered by Comfort Nkambule, Vice President of the South African Chemical Institute; Yang Yanming, Director of the Shandong International Talent Exchange Service Center; Oluwafemi Adebo, Deputy Director of the Global Cooperation Office of the University of Johannesburg; and Prof. Liping Qiu, Vice President of Shandong Jianzhu University.
Speakers noted that China and Africa have broad prospects for cooperation in green technologies, energy governance, and industrial upgrading, and that this event provides a new platform for both sides to jointly address global climate change and promote the transition to sustainable energy. The Forum invited experts from multiple countries to deliver plenary presentations, including Prof. Neil Coville, Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences; Prof. Suprakas Sinha Ray, Director at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), South Africa; Prof. Junfeng Wang from Chongqing University; and Prof. Chenggong Sun from the University of Birmingham.
Their reports covered topics such as catalytic applications of carbon materials, innovations in nanostructured materials, efficient utilization of biomass energy, and low-carbon pathways for energy systems, presenting the latest achievements in green energy science and technological innovation. In line with academic developments and China-Africa cooperation needs in the green energy sector, the Forum set up four thematic exchange sessions: Catalysis and Green Fuel Conversion, Solar Energy Utilization and Photovoltaic–Photothermal Materials, Energy Storage Science and Electrochemical Functional Materials, and Energy Systems, Hydrogen Technologies, and Advanced Characterization Methods.
Thirty experts delivered thematic presentations in these areas, sharing cooperation experiences and exploring opportunities for joint research, technology transfer, and talent development for young scholars. Building on the achievements of the inaugural Forum held in Jinan, this year’s event further deepened China-Africa collaboration in scientific research, talent training, technological innovation, and industry engagement.
The Forum has contributed to establishing a cooperative framework “with green energy technologies at its core, industrial chain collaboration as its link, and international exchange as its foundation,” playing a positive role in accelerating the development of a China-Africa green energy innovation community. Shandong Jianzhu University will continue to leverage its strong academic disciplines and international cooperation platforms to deepen collaborative innovation with African partners in hydrogen energy, solar energy, energy storage, green fuels, and other green energy fields.
Together, the university and its partners aim to advance the research, development, and application of green and low-carbon technologies, contributing to global energy transition and sustainable development.
