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.

The phrase "all-weather friend," first coined by Zambia's founding father Kenneth Kaunda to describe China, has become a defining term for the solid friendship between China and Zambia, and more broadly, between China and Africa. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Zambia. As both nations move forward, the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is set to deepen their bond.

South Africa's choral music resonates at China's 600-year-old Temple of Heaven. Making its debut at the 2024 Beijing Music Festival, Cape Town Opera captivated Chinese audiences with rich harmonies and vibrant expressions of South African music and culture.

The 16th BRICS Summit, taking place under Russia’s chairmanship in Kazan from October 22–24, marks a historic moment with the inclusion of five new members: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia. Notably, African countries now represent one-third of the bloc's membership, strengthening the platform for Africa's voices on the global stage. As Egypt and Ethiopia join South Africa in the BRICS, the summit offers an important opportunity for the continent to advocate for its economic development, global governance reform, and greater South-South cooperation.

"Small and Beautiful" projects emerge as a vital component of China-Africa cooperation. These initiatives focus on providing localized, targeted solutions to Africa's unique social and economic challenge. As they continue to gain momentum, they demonstrate the potential for China's engagement in Africa to address not only top-down, macro-level growth but also everyday needs of Africans.

China-Africa cooperation spans from monumental infrastructural projects like Nigeria's Lekki DeepSea Port and the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway to grassroots initiatives such as the promotion of Juncao technology program and the Luban Workshop. Over the next three years, 1000 additional"Small and Beautiful" projects will take root across the African continent. We speak with Liu Zhiqin and Charles Onunaiju to explore how these "Small and Beautiful" projects are positively impacting local communities.

October 1st marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The 75 years has witnessed the strengthening of relations between China and Africa. China played a crucial role in Africa's liberation movements and has been a key contributor to the continent's modernization efforts. Africa was instrumental in facilitating China's resumption of UN membership, standing with China on various international platforms. David Monyae and Liu Baocheng walk us through the political choices and shared ideals that have tied China and Africa together over these decades.