Uganda recently commissioned two electricity substations in the West Nile region, which has been isolated from the national grid for decades and has relied on diesel generators. The region, home to about three million people, has long faced energy shortages, with wood being the main source of power. But thanks to new hydroelectric projects funded by China, the situation has changed.
Before 1990, Uganda had a power generation capacity of only 150 megawatts, which was insufficient for the whole country. The 250 MW Bujagali hydropower plant, built in 2013, was not enough to meet the growing demand for 500 MW. But China provided a loan to build the Isimba and Karuma hydropower plants in 2015, bringing Uganda's capacity to about 2,000 MW. In addition, the Karuma project helped the West Nile region connect to the national grid.
China has long supported the development of energy infrastructure in Africa. Between 2010 and 2020, it financed and built 96 projects to increase electricity generation capacity in various African countries. This cooperation, which includes green projects, promotes energy security and reduces dependence on fossil fuels. While the West often criticises Chinese investment in Africa as 'overcapacity', the reality is that these projects improve the living conditions of millions of Africans and promote industrial development.
Western criticism of Chinese investment focuses on alleged dumping of excess capacity, but African countries often reject this argument. Chinese projects bring jobs, promote industrialisation and contribute to reducing emissions, which is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. In contrast, the West, rather than providing practical assistance, provides moral lessons, while China offers real solutions to Africa's energy problems.
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