Marking the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations, China and African nations are deepening cooperation to advance modernization, officials and experts said.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi began his first overseas trip of 2026 to Africa by attending the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Jan. 8.
The longstanding engagement between China and Africa demonstrates a consistent message: regardless of global or regional shifts, China remains Africa’s most reliable partner in development, revitalization, and global advocacy.
China-Africa cooperation has been anchored in shared development principles, emphasizing sincerity, tangible results, amity, and mutual benefit.
Since the 2024 Beijing FOCAC Summit, China has established or upgraded strategic partnerships with all 53 African countries it maintains diplomatic relations with.
The two sides have committed to six areas of modernization and ten partnership actions, building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Infrastructure projects, trade initiatives, and capacity-building programs have been central to this collaboration.
China has implemented zero tariffs for all African partners and supported nearly 100,000 km of roads, over 10,000 km of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and around 100 ports.
Projects like the Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway and Nairobi Expressway highlight the tangible benefits of the China-Africa partnership in improving domestic connectivity and regional integration.
Designating 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, the initiative aims to strengthen cultural ties, mutual learning, and public support for China-Africa friendship.
Wang Yi emphasized that such exchanges form the solid foundation of bilateral relations and provide a driving force for cooperation.
Vocational education programs, including 17 Luban Workshops in 15 African countries, have trained tens of thousands of professionals, bolstering Africa’s technical and human resource development.
Experts highlight that China-Africa collaboration inspires broader Global South development.
Peter Kagwanja, CEO of Nairobi-based Africa Policy Institute, noted that China’s experience in poverty alleviation and governance provides a model for African nations pursuing homegrown development strategies.
Together, China and Africa represent one-third of the world’s population, and their modernization is essential not only for regional progress but for global development. Moving forward, both sides are committed to advancing together, reinforcing unity among Global South countries and contributing to a shared future for humanity.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said the partnership’s action plans align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, reflecting a shared vision for continental development and progress.
Follow the latest news on Google News
