Agriculture is a key pillar of The Gambia's economy. However, its growth is constrained by challenges such as limited resources, low capacity, and the impacts of climate change. Lamin Fatty, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of The Gambia, discusses the current state of the sector and explores pathways to unlocking its full potential.

From December 7 to 11, the 4th China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue is held in Hubei Province under the theme "Partners Working Hand in Hand for Modernization." As a key step to implement the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit, youth representatives from 14 African countries visited Yichang and Wuhan, engaging in meaningful exchanges with their Chinese counterparts on modernization. Three young African delegates share their insights and takeaways on how these experiences could contribute to the development of their home countries.

China and Burundi share a strong and growing friendship, marked by booming cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and energy. Burundian ambassador to China Telesphore Irambona discusses the current state and future potential of this partnership and calls for increased Chinese investment in the East African nation.

China has granted zero tariffs to Least Developed Countries with established diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries, effective from December 1, 2024. This move significantly lowers costs for African exports, boosts competitiveness, and strengthens economic ties between Africa and its largest trading partner, China. With nations like The Gambia benefiting, this policy opens new doors for trade and investment while promoting shared development. Find out more about how this game-changing policy impacts African economies with Lamin Dampha, the Permanent Secretary at The Gambia’s Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment and Chen Huiyi, Research and Coordination Analyst with Development Reimagined.

Xavier Owona, a Cameroonian fashion designer and founder of XaferWear, has spent nine years in China building a brand that seamlessly fuses African cultural elements with modern fashion. Based in Shanghai, Owona's journey highlights how young African entrepreneurs are thriving in China while promoting cross-cultural understanding.

For over three years, China Africa Talk has been bridging African and Chinese perspectives, offering fresh insights into an evolving partnership. Across Africa, journalists are reclaiming narratives, challenging Western portrayals, and collaborating with their Chinese counterparts to tell nuanced stories. Today, three African journalists in China join us to discuss how they're shaping the narrative of this dynamic relationship.

In Kenya's Nzoia River basin, bamboo is proving to be a game-changer in flood control and ecosystem restoration. Through a China-Kenya collaboration, local communities are learning to use bamboo's deep roots to prevent soil erosion and slow floodwaters, enhancing climate resilience and food security. The transferring of crucial bamboo technology and skills is also improving local livelihoods. Two experts directly involved in the initiative walk us through this innovative project.

The upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit on November 18-19 in Rio de Janeiro promises to be a landmark event, with all 19 member countries, the African Union, and the European Union in attendance. For the first time, the African Union joins as a permanent member, marking a historic step toward amplifying Africa’s role in global governance. Ahead of the summit, we explore potential priorities for China, the significance of the AU’s inclusion, and how China and Africa might leverage the G20 platform to collaborate on global economic, social, and environmental issues.

This year’s China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world’s first national-level expo dedicated solely to imports, is back in Shanghai from November 5-10. Burundi is participating in the country exhibition for the first time. Alfred Burimaso, First Counsellor at the Embassy of Burundi in China highlights how Burundi is seizing the moment to showcase unique products, from high-quality coffee to artisanal crafts. He discusses the impact of China’s zero-tariff policy for least-developed countries, the advantages of CIIE’s vast marketplace, and how Burundi strengthens economic ties with China and the world.

Which coffees have captured your taste buds so far? Maybe it's the smooth Geisha from Panama? The exotic Kopi Luwak from Indonesia or the renowned Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica? Let's narrow the choice a little. What about African coffees? Perhaps you are a fan of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Kenya AA? Andrew Gatera is a passionate advocate for the coffee from his country, Rwanda, known as the country of a thousand hills. Gatera sets his sights on expanding Rwanda coffee's reach in the Chinese market via the China International Import Expo or CIIE. He shares his experiences at CIIE and his goals to introduce Rwandan coffee to the world.