China–Africa cooperation is entering a new phase of strategic depth, increasingly hailed as a model for South–South collaboration.

Over the past decades, China has evolved into one of Africa’s most reliable partners, supporting the continent’s push for industrialization, infrastructure development, and green growth.

At a high-level seminar held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, senior officials from the African Union (AU), the Chinese Mission to the AU, and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) gathered to assess the progress and future direction of this partnership. The meeting, themed “China Supports Africa’s Industrialization: Promoting Green, Coordinated, and Sustainable Development,” explored how cooperation can be deepened across manufacturing, technology transfer, digitalization, AI, renewable energy, and human capacity development.

Speakers emphasized that the China–Africa partnership has matured beyond traditional aid models, evolving into a comprehensive framework for mutual growth.

China’s consistent engagement from financing key infrastructure projects to promoting industrial parks and vocational training, has positioned it as a critical catalyst for Africa’s development ambitions under Agenda 2063 and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Analysts note that this renewed momentum signifies not just bilateral cooperation but also a powerful demonstration of South–South solidarity. For them, this cooperation is one grounded in shared experiences, mutual respect, and the pursuit of equitable global development.

As both sides look ahead, this growing synergy is set to redefine the contours of international cooperation, anchoring a new era of green innovation, industrial transformation, and inclusive growth.

As Pulse of Africa reported from today’s seminar, officials from both China and the African Union reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation across key sectors and aligning development strategies for shared prosperity. Beyond the reaffirmation of ties, the discussions reflected a shifting narrative, one that positions Africa not as a passive recipient of external engagement.

But it considers the continent as a pivotal partner shaping the contours of global cooperation.

With its vast natural resources, youthful population, and growing digital economy, Africa holds immense potential to influence global economic and geopolitical dynamics. The seminar underscored that Africa’s relationship with China and indeed with other global powers is truly evolving toward one of mutual benefit and strategic alignment rather than dependency.

This recognition signals a broader transformation in South–South cooperation. More importantly, it affirms Africa’s growing assertiveness as a vital actor in crafting a more equitable and multipolar world order, where development partnerships are driven by shared interests, innovation, and respect for sovereignty.

China Signals Stronger Commitment to Deepening Ties with Africa

During the seminar, Head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, Ambassador Jiang Feng, highlighted China’s longstanding support for Africa’s industrialization. According to him, over the past decade, China–Africa cooperation, particularly in infrastructure development, has become a significant platform for advancing the continent’s industrialization agenda.

He particularly affirmed China’s strong desire and unwavering commitment to supporting Africa’s industrialization, noting the continent’s urgent need to transform this critical sector.

Regarding infrastructure Development, Chinese companies, he said, have participated in landmark projects such as the Mombasa–Nairobi Railway in Kenya, the Lekki Deep Sea Port in Nigeria, and the Lower Kafue Gorge Hydropower Station in Zambia, helping address infrastructure bottlenecks, as indicated by the Ambassador.

According to Feng, over 50 Chinese-built industrial parks operate across Africa, attracting investment in manufacturing, light industry, and digital technology.

In terms of Financial and Human Development, the ambassador said China remains Africa’s largest development financing partner and has waived interest-free loans for least-developed African countries with diplomatic ties to China.

Africa’s Growth Path Resonates with Deepening China Cooperation

Speaking at the seminar, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy Lerato Dorothy Mataboge, said Africa requires deeper cooperation with China aligned with Africa’s priorities.

“We now call for deeper collaboration, aligned with Africa's green digital and industrial priorities,” the commissioner said, hailing the timing as right– one that brought “great promise [as] Africa is rising”.

She appraised the seminar as having focused on four areas of Africa’s industrial transformation, which include strengthening industrial strategies, advancing new energy and green technologies, building resilient and local manufacturing systems, and nurturing digital industry ecosystems.

“The path forward is clear,” Mataboge said. “We must collaborate to scale locally led capacity building programs that are aligned with agenda 2063 we must collaborate to establish regional centers of excellence for green technologies and advanced manufacturing.”

Given industrialization is not merely about factories and machines, she stressed the need Africa’s industrialization effort to be backed by capacity building, skills, institutions and human capital.

 She acknowledged what she described as China’s steadfast partnership through training, scholarships, infrastructure and knowledge exchanges.

In that regard, the commissioner called for a system of apprenticeship linking youth and women to industrial firms, expanded scholarships and technical exchange opportunities focusing on vocation and digital skills.

“The African Union stands ready to work with the People's Republic of China to bring all these priorities to life together. We will ensure that every initiative is aligned to agenda 2063,” Mataboge said.