The access to electricity and energy development are of critical importance for the basic need of human beings.It is the key foundation of a nation’s economic development and the basis to achieve many of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Among all the challenges faced by developing countries, including power supply, economic growth, food security, poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment as well as environmental protection, education and health, energy can lead the way. However, in Ghana, the limitation of water inflows to hydropower dams in recent years have led to insufficient electricity generation. In Zambia, under 5% of the rural population have access to electricity, while the country has huge potential for solar power and abundant water resources which are not fully utilized.

To address the challenges, strong policy, financial support, increased utilization of renewable energy technologies (RETs) as well as capacity and skill development in equipment operation and maintenance are urgently needed. With the support from the UNDP, China, Ghana and Zambia have collaborated and are making significant contribution to address the challenges. The South-South Cooperation on RET Transfer is firmly built on a trilateral setup where all parties play constructive roles. China could provide mature and applicable RETs and share experience. Ghana and Zambia have unique insights into local context and priorities. UNDP plays a facilitating and coordinating role among all implementing agencies and contribute with special management capability. Funding for the project is provided by the government of Denmark as part of their focus of on South-South Cooperation between China and Africa and UN’s Sustainable Energy for All initiative.

• Contribute to improve the enabling environment for the transfer and absorption of RETs

• Effect off-grid, community-based electrification, increase the share of RE in the energy mix.

• Improve the production and use of RETs through demonstration and capacity building.

• Seek an appropriate regulatory framework and financing options for RE development.

• Support broader socio-economic and environmental objectives.

• Update China’s policies and guidelines on South-South Cooperation.

• Facilitate solid capacity building for better South-South Cooperation.