Officials from China and Africa have established a joint Renewable Energy Cooperation and Innovation Alliance in Beijing on Monday, aiming to boost cooperation in the renewable energy field.

Governors and officials from both sides attended the conference and witnessed a signing ceremony with representatives from the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative (AREI).

The alliance is aimed to take better advantage of Africa's huge renewable energy potential.

During the conference, Chinese entrepreneurs based in Africa shared their experiences. Ambassadors from African countries said they would welcome more Chinese investment.

"When we come together and set up this alliance, we will be more efficient under one umbrella," said Simon Pierre, Benin's Ambassador to China. "It's kind of a combination of various initiatives on renewable energy. I really appreciate the creation of this alliance, and it will bring benefits to China and Africa."

Under the mandate of the African Union endorsed by African Heads of State and Government on Climate Change, the Africa Renewable Energy Initiative is set to achieve at least 10 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity by 2020, and 300 GW by 2030.

“There are still many difficulties, but Chinese companies will try their best to overcome problems and challenges, to unite together to better allocate resources and invest more in Africa,” said Shi Dinghuan, founder of the alliance.