China-Africa green energy forum strengthens research ties in Jinan

Researchers, university representatives, international organisations and industry participants from China, Africa and other parts of the world gathered in Jinan from 23 to 25 October for 2026 The 3rd China-Africa Green Energy Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation & The Talented Young Scientist Program Forum.

Jointly hosted by the China Association for International Exchange of Personnel and Shandong Jianzhu University, the three-day event drew nearly 200 registrations from 33 countries and more than 70 universities and research institutions. Held under the theme “Bringing Together Global Innovation, Building a Green Energy Future,” the forum focused on green energy science and technology, international research collaboration and exchanges among researchers.

The programme covered efficient energy conversion and storage, clean energy and zero-carbon buildings, green and low-carbon fuels, hydrogen technologies and smart energy systems. It featured plenary lectures, keynote and invited presentations, six parallel sessions, cooperation agreements with African partner institutions, The Talented Young Scientist Program Forum and industry visits.

A major outcome of this year’s meeting was the expansion of institutional cooperation between Shandong Jianzhu University and African universities and academic organisations. The university signed memoranda of understanding with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana, The Technical University of Kenya, Kenya Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Nigeria, and the Global Organization of African Academic Doctors (OAAD). The agreements are intended to support joint research, academic exchanges, researcher mobility, talent development and further cooperation in green energy science and technology.

Four internationally recognised scientists delivered plenary lectures addressing major challenges in energy transition and sustainable development. Yulong Ding, Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and professor at the University of Birmingham, spoke on Carbon Neutrality Transition – Industrial Challenges and Opportunities for Medium and Long Duration Energy Storage. Leslie Felicia Petrik, Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences and Emeritus Professor at the University of the Western Cape, discussed Energy-enabled WEF-insecurities Reduction in Disadvantaged Communities. Andreas K. Athienitis, Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering and professor at Concordia University, presented research on the Modelling, Design and Optimal Operation of Decarbonised and Resilient Solar Buildings and Communities. Martin Thuo, Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and the African Academy of Sciences and professor at North Carolina State University, addressed Frugal Innovation – The Prequel to a Green Planet.

The plenary lectures were followed by six parallel sessions covering Renewable Energy Utilisation and Low-Carbon Buildings; Green Hydrogen and Zero-Carbon Fuels; Advanced Energy Storage Technologies; Energy Catalysis; Organic Solid Waste Valorisation; and AI-Enabled Integrated Energy Systems. Researchers from universities and research institutions in China and overseas presented recent findings, discussed emerging scientific and technological challenges, and explored opportunities for future collaboration across areas ranging from hydrogen production and thermal energy storage to waste conversion, catalysis and artificial intelligence for energy systems.

International early-career scientists were another focus of the event. During The Talented Young Scientist Program Forum, seven researchers from countries including South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia and Pakistan delivered presentations under the theme “My Research Experience in China.” They shared their experiences of conducting research in China, working with research teams and developing academic careers in an international environment. Among the speakers were Ndzondelelo Bingwa and Phumlani Msomi, who discussed their research experiences at Shandong Jianzhu University. The session concluded with an open discussion on international research collaboration and the development of young scientific talent.

The Talented Young Scientist Program Forum

First held in Jinan in 2024 and followed by its second edition in Johannesburg in 2025, the forum returned to Jinan this year for its third edition. It has since developed into a growing platform for collaboration among universities, research institutions and young scientists in China and Africa.