(Video edited by Liu Jian)

The 22nd Conference of the Parties (COP22) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Marrakesh, Morocco was dubbed the "COP of action," but it was also the "COP for Africa," providing the opportunity for the continent to lead the way in renewable energy development to fight climate change. At the Africa Renewable Energy Forum, a side meeting of COP22, that took place in November, decision-makers, experts and investors discussed the opportunities for the development and deployment of renewable energy solutions across the continent, as well as the future mechanisms that will allow the private sector to drive the implementation of the Paris Agreement.  

In fact, some African entrepreneurs have already seen the opportunities and they are keen to accelerate this call for action. These nimble movers and shakers have launched sustainable projects, worked on technology development and capacity building. They are committed to use clean energy to tackle the problem of energy poverty in Africa, as well as fight against pollution on the continent.  Recently, Malian entrepreneur Samba Bathily, co-founder of Solektra International, and Guinean entrepreneur Moussa Magassouba, managing director of M&M Commodity SARL, spoke to ChinAfrica reporter Liu Jian in Beijing on benefits of developing clean energy in Africa, capacity building in the solar industry and the prospects of cooperating with China.