China Africa Talk

Attending as guest of honor at the 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum held in Harbin, Zimbabwe draws insights from China's culture-driven tourism model. We speak with Stanley Banda, Zimbabwe's Tourism Attaché to China and ASEAN, on key takeaways from the forum and opportunities for deeper China-Africa tourism cooperation

As global environmental challenges intensify and geopolitical tensions strain international cooperation, the mandate of the United Nations Environment Assembly has never been more significant. Meeting from December 8 to 12 in Nairobi, UNEA-7 brings together delegates from around the world to advance sustainable solutions for a resilient planet. Ma Jun and Ali-Said Matano weigh in on why UNEA's role is essential in shaping the future of global environmental governance.

China and Africa are working together to realize the right to development. Professor Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, explains why development-centered human rights lie at the heart of China-Africa collaboration and how this approach aligns with Africa's own priorities.

Kenya is accelerating its infrastructure development with a major highway expansion, backed by Chinese expertise and financing. The key Mombasa-Nairobi corridor, a vital trade gateway to Uganda and other inland nations, is being transformed from a single-lane road into a modern four-to-six-lane highway. What does it signal about the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation?

The revitalization of the TAZARA railway, a landmark project of China-Africa friendship, has officially begun. Following a high-level groundbreaking ceremony, this modernized "Freedom Railway" is poised to enhance regional connectivity and inject new momentum into the economic development of Tanzania, Zambia, and the broader region.

For the first time in its history, the G20 Leaders' Summit is held on African soil, with South Africa wielding the rotating presidency. This landmark event has placed the continent in the spotlight, prompting a critical question: Is this a fleeting moment of prestige, or can it be leveraged into a genuine turning point for Africa's development?

Ethiopia and Kenya have become the first African countries to adopt yuan-based debt-swap arrangements, seeking to alleviate the burden of their dollar-denominated debts. This move reflects a growing demand for the Chinese yuan in Africa to avoid foreign exchange losses and transaction costs. We dissect this trend and its implications.

Rwanda has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) since its inception in 2018, leveraging the platform to bring its exceptional coffee, chilies, and handicrafts into countless Chinese households. Rwandan Ambassador to China James Kimonyo shares how the East African nation is using the platform not only to expand exports, but also to attract Chinese investment, forging a partnership that fuels mutual growth.

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) has set new records in both exhibition area and exhibitor numbers, attracting over 4,000 exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations. With African participation growing significantly, including 17 countries in the Country Exhibition, how is the CIIE creating pathways for Africa's growth and innovation, and fostering a shared future between China and Africa?

At the recent CPC Central Committee plenum, China set the blueprint for its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), reinforcing a focus on high-quality development and technological advancement. We explore the implications for global partners, with a special look at what it means for Africa.