Zheng Ruijin (2nd R), a Chinese rice expert, instructs as farmers transplant rice seedlings at a paddy field in Huye District, Rwanda, Aug. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
During a recent exchange with a Nigerian News Agency reporter, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s unwavering commitment to Africa’s development. Responding to a question on how China plans to implement the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Wang Yi highlighted the historic depth and expanding scope of China-Africa relations.
He stressed that the world must listen to Africa, heed its concerns, and support the continent in exploring a new development path of self-reliance and self-strengthening. According to Wang, Africa’s stability and development are not just regional priorities but are crucial to the future of global modernization.
As China and Africa mark the 25th anniversary of FOCAC, their partnership has reached an unprecedented level of success, characterised by large-scale investments, trade expansion, and people-centred development. China has established strategic partnerships with all African countries that have diplomatic ties with it, elevating the China-Africa community to an “all-weather” level of cooperation.
Over the past two and a half decades, China has emerged as Africa’s largest trading partner, maintaining this status for 16 consecutive years. With substantial investments in infrastructure, industrialisation, and agricultural modernisation, this collaboration is delivering tangible benefits that enhance Africa’s economic growth and improve livelihoods across the continent. China’s engagement in Africa is producing remarkable results. The construction and upgrading of over 100,000 kilometres of roads and more than 10,000 kilometres of railways have strengthened connectivity and boosted trade.
These transformative projects are creating opportunities, facilitating regional integration, and enabling economic expansion. In the past three years alone, Chinese firms have generated over 1.1 million jobs for Africans, demonstrating China’s commitment to fostering sustainable employment and skills development. Chinese-built industrial parks, such as Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Park and Egypt’s Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, have attracted major investments, creating manufacturing hubs that enhance Africa’s production capacity and global competitiveness.
The agricultural sector has also seen tremendous advancements, thanks to China’s expertise and support. Hybrid rice technology has significantly improved food security in several African nations, providing higher yields and increasing farmers' incomes. A heartwarming example is a Gambian farmer who sent rice to Hunan in gratitude to Yuan Longping, the pioneer of hybrid rice, whose innovations have helped communities overcome hunger and build food resilience. Such partnerships highlight the deep and meaningful cooperation between China and Africa in ensuring agricultural self-sufficiency and sustainability. Through initiatives such as the China-Africa Agricultural Development and Poverty Reduction Programme, China has helped small-scale farmers access modern farming techniques, mechanisation, and irrigation solutions, ensuring increased food production and resilience against climate change.
China’s commitment to Africa’s industrialisation is also evident through its “Ten Partnership Actions” framework, aimed at accelerating economic transformation. The recent implementation of a zero-tariff measure on 100% of tariff items further strengthens Africa’s ability to access Chinese markets, creating new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
In 2022 alone, trade between China and Africa exceeded $282 billion, with African exports to China growing at a steady pace, providing much-needed foreign exchange earnings. By supporting Africa in advancing manufacturing, technology, and digital innovation, China is actively helping the continent move towards a more diversified and prosperous economy. The Digital Silk Road initiative is further enhancing Africa’s digital infrastructure, with Chinese firms playing a key role in expanding broadband networks, smart city projects, and e-commerce platforms, positioning Africa as a future leader in the global digital economy.
Beyond economic development, China is a steadfast advocate for Africa’s increased role in global governance. Wang Yi’s assertion that Africa’s development is vital to the future of humanity reinforces China’s diplomatic stance that the continent must play a greater role in international decision-making. This year’s G20 summit, which will be hosted on African soil for the first time, is an important milestone. China’s strong support for South Africa’s presidency ensures that Africa’s voice is amplified on the world stage.
Such diplomatic solidarity reflects a shared vision for a more inclusive and equitable global order where Africa’s contributions and perspectives are recognised and respected. Furthermore, China has been a consistent proponent of African representation in international institutions, backing Africa’s bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and advocating for fairer trade policies in multilateral forums such as the World Trade Organization.
The China-Africa partnership is rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and shared aspirations for development. As both sides continue to strengthen ties, this collaboration remains a powerful force for progress. By investing in infrastructure, technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges, China and Africa are building a future of prosperity and self-reliance.
Through scholarship programmes, vocational training, and cultural exchanges, thousands of African students and professionals are benefiting from Chinese expertise, fostering long-term knowledge transfer and innovation. This dynamic relationship is a testament to what can be achieved through cooperation and genuine friendship, paving the way for a brighter future for both regions.
Stephen Ndegwa is the Executive Director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank, and a PhD student at the United States International University-Africa
