ZHOU Jianghong meets with South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, ZHOU Jianghong, Vice President of Zhejiang University, met with South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, and his delegation in Beijing.

ZHOU Jianghong extended a warm welcome to Ramokgopa and his delegation, emphasizing the deepening ties between China and South Africa, and the pivotal role academic institutions play in fostering this relationship. Zhejiang University, ZHOU Jianghong highlighted, has long been committed to the China-South Africa people-to-people exchange mechanism, and has partnered with institutions such as the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University in conducting joint research in digital equality, agricultural transformation, climate monitoring, and power systems.  

Looking ahead, ZHOU Jianghong expressed that Zhejiang University is willing to further its role as a leading comprehensive, research-oriented, and innovation-driven university by strengthening its collaboration with South Africa in key areas. Areas such as high-level personnel training, clean energy, technology transfer, and green development offer vast opportunities for mutual development. “We look forward to contributing the unique strength of higher education to the continuous development of a comprehensive strategic partnership between the two nations,” Zhou noted.

In response, Ramokgopa expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and lauded Zhejiang University’s remarkable achievements, particularly in the energy sector. He provided an overview of South Africa’s Energy Action Plan and the measures taken by Eskom, the country’s state-owned power company, to address load shedding, deepen electricity reform, and promote low-carbon development. He expressed his hopes of enhancing dialogue with Zhejiang University, conducting practical cooperation in various forms, and jointly exploring effective solutions to energy challenges.

The meeting culminated in the signing of a Letter of Intent on high-level personnel training, marking a critical step forward in the quest for shared solutions and sustainable development through collaboration between academia and industry across continents.

The event also featured the discussion led by senior leaders from the College of Energy Engineering, Zhejiang University. They provided an overview of the College, introduced its research achievements, and had a vibrant exchange with the South African delegates, including Eskom CEO Dan Marokane.

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