Every January, China’s foreign minister kicks off their overseas visits in Africa—a tradition of over 30 years that shows China’s commitment to the Global South. This year, alongside the launch of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), preparations are in full swing for the next Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ministerial conference. 🌍🤝
Last year, the 2024 FOCAC Summit set a strategic vision, and at the 2025 Coordinators’ Meeting in Changsha, leaders mapped out concrete steps to turn promises into action. A major focus? Fixing Africa’s security gap. China pledged to train over 6,000 African security pros, boost AU peacekeeping and counter-terrorism, and support maritime security—because security and development are two sides of the same coin. ⚙️🔒
On the economic front, China announced zero tariffs on 100% of goods from all African diplomatic partners—the biggest market opening in China-Africa history. Since early 2025, Rwandan chili peppers, Ethiopian coffee, and Tanzanian cashews have flooded Chinese markets, thanks to fast-track customs and shared food safety standards. Even better, China is backing agro-processing zones, Silk Road E-commerce for local SMEs, and upgrading digital logistics and payment systems. It’s a blueprint for development rooted in local strengths, not copy-paste from the West. 🔄🌶️☕
Health is another highlight. The 2024 summit kicked off a China-Africa community of health for all, and the 2025 meeting brought it to life: joint public health labs are up in Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Senegal, while the "Thousand Doctors for Africa" training and telemedicine programs expand digital health records in rural areas. Co-developed vaccines and localized Chinese medicine are strengthening Africa’s health resilience—and our shared future. 🏥💉
For young innovators and changemakers across South and Southeast Asia, China-Africa cooperation is more than diplomacy—it’s a playbook for partnerships that respect local roots, leverage tech, and drive real impact. Ready to level up global solidarity? 🚀✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
