By Nkechi Eze
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, on Monday attended the project inception workshop for the Nigeria Small Hydro Power Centre of Excellence, a major initiative aimed at strengthening renewable energy capacity and improving energy resilience across Africa.
The project, supported by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, marks a significant step in implementing outcomes of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit and deepening cooperation between China and African countries in the area of sustainable energy development.
The initiative also represents a landmark tripartite partnership under the Global Development Initiative, bringing together China, Africa, and the United Nations to advance technical capacity and knowledge sharing in small hydropower development.
Speaking during the workshop, Ambassador Yu emphasised the importance of the project in strengthening energy infrastructure and promoting sustainable development across the continent.
He noted that the establishment of the Centre of Excellence will serve as a key platform for capacity building, technical innovation and professional training in the development and management of small hydropower systems.
According to him, the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to deepen China–Africa cooperation in infrastructure, energy security and climate-resilient development.
The Nigeria Small Hydro Power Centre of Excellence is expected to play a strategic role in equipping African experts with the technical skills required to design, operate and maintain small hydropower projects.
Stakeholders say the centre will contribute significantly to improving access to clean and reliable energy, enhancing energy resilience and advancing sustainable development goals across the African continent.
