China Africa Talk

A camel, a Samburu guide, and a Chinese traveler walking across Kenya's Rift Valley toward Lake Turkana. It sounds like the beginning of an adventure story. But behind the deserts and survival challenges lies a deeper story about friendship, cultural understanding and China-Africa exchanges. In this episode, we speak with Chinese photographer Qi Lin, author of the Camel Diaries. Zimbabwean writer and journalist Monica Cheru also joins the conversation as we explore how ordinary people are shaping the relationship between China and Africa.

Mali's security crisis is deepening, with armed groups, separatist movements and criminal networks driving instability far beyond the country's borders. We examine how Mali reached this point, why past international interventions fell short, and what the crisis means for civilians, regional security and Africa's cultural heritage.

Africa's health sector is rapidly evolving, with digital health systems, AI, telemedicine, and mobile technologies reshaping healthcare delivery across the continent. At the recent World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, leaders and innovators stressed the need for African-led, technology-driven healthcare solutions. We explore how digital innovation is transforming healthcare in Africa and what it means for the continent's future.

As exchanges between China and Africa continue to deepen, media cooperation has become an increasingly important bridge for mutual understanding and people-to-people ties. In an interview with China Africa Talk, Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, shared his views on strengthening China-Africa storytelling, Zimbabwe's expectations for China's zero-tariff policy for African countries, and how Zimbabwe hopes to learn from China's development experience as it advances its Vision 2030 agenda.

A new UN resolution is bringing renewed attention to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. On March 25, 2026, the UN General Assembly recognized it as the "gravest crime against humanity," reigniting calls for reparations, and debate over who should be held responsible. What comes next? And how does the legacy of slavery still shape Africa today?

April 23 marks World Book and Copyright Day. For Africa, the occasion highlights the journey of its literature, the struggles of its authors, and the continent's growing contribution to global storytelling. In this episode, we explore the status of books in Africa in a digital era that has largely re-written information consumption. We also share a selection of African books worth reading.

Namibia is looking to deepen trade, investment and people-to-people ties with China at a time when new opportunities are emerging for African countries. In this interview with China Africa Talk, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi discusses cooperation in areas spanning exports, industrial development, and youth and cultural exchanges. She highlights the significance of Namibia and China's shared commitment to multilateralism in a changing global landscape.

As China and Namibia continue to deepen cooperation, young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of bilateral ties. In this episode, we speak with Alina Mbango, a Namibian PhD student studying in Beijing. She shares how her experience in China has broadened her perspective and strengthened her desire to contribute to Namibia's development.

April 8 is International Day for the Conservation of Rare Animals, a day dedicated to raising awareness about wildlife protection and promoting harmony between humans and nature. Raabia Hawa, Founder and Director of Ulinzi Africa Foundation in Kenya and Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, provide insights into the successful and sustainable conservation cases that have made a real difference on the ground in Africa and China, as well as potential areas for deeper China-Africa collaboration in wildlife conservation.

Starting May 1, 2026, China will impose zero tariffs on imports from 53 African states. We take a closer look at its potential impact on the ground in Africa, exploring how the policy is not only expected to boost the volume of African exports to China, but also to improve market access, encourage value-added production, and reshape trade dynamics between China and the continent.