“LOOKING FRM BOTH SIDES” is first and foremost an interesting dialogue on major international issues between two friends, two eminent journalists and a cross-view of two media professionals, one Chinese and one African (Beninese). Ma Jiaying is a journalist and host of the program “Rencontres” on the international channel of Chinese public television CGTN. Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi, meanwhile, is a journalist-specialist in international and Sino-African geopolitics, Governor of the Pan-African magazine of diplomacy and international relations “Le Label Diplomatique” and President of the African Journalists Caucuc for the South Global Community Destiny. They set themselves this new challenge as a contribution to the community of humanity's shared future, on the occasion of the 4th edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Exhibition.
Hello Ma Jiaying! Our first dialogue on “LOOKING FRM BOTH SIDES” was well received around the world. Today, we're going to talk about an event that links China and Africa. The 4th edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair will be held in Changsha from June 12 to 15, 2025, under the theme: “China and Africa: together towards modernization”. This year's event takes place in an international context still marked by the geopolitics of rising US tariffs. Seen in this light, doesn't this fourth Sino-African Economic and Trade Fair take on a new importance and scope?Ma Jiaying: Thank you, Mr. Adjovi, it's a great pleasure to work with you and to speak directly to our readers all over China, Africa and the world. To answer your question, in today's complex and changing international economic and business environment, the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair has a significance beyond that of an ordinary trade show.Firstly, it is a joint response by China and Africa to an uncertain international economic environment. The theme of this year's event is “China and Africa: together towards modernization”, sending out a strong signal of unity in the common quest for development. As I pointed out in my previous article, the development processes of China and Africa were interrupted by the first wave of globalization marked by colonial aggression, and today they face a new global economic instability caused by tariff wars. Behind these trade conflicts lies the rise of protectionism and unilateralism. China and Africa have come up with a clear response: after supporting each other in their struggles for national independence, they are now affirming their unwavering mutual support in the face of threats to their economic development.Secondly, this brief event is generating considerable energy. According to the exhibition organizers, 199 contract projects, worth a total of $16.032 billion, and 295 cooperation projects, worth $4.873 billion, are currently under negotiation. These figures testify to the steady growth of Sino-African trade. In 2024, trade volume between China and Africa reached $295.6 billion, setting an all-time record for the fourth year running. China has thus remained Africa's leading trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Chinese imports from Africa rose by 6.9% to $116.8 billion, while exports to Africa increased by 3.5% to $178.8 billion.Thirdly, this event is an opportunity for China and Africa to offer solutions to the world. In this climate of uncertainty, I see a kind of “intellectual vacuum”. Where are the new global solutions to be found? I believe that the real value of this exhibition lies in the development of an operational institutional blueprint for a new multipolar world order.So much for my analysis. Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI, you are a specialist in international and Sino-African issues and President of the African Journalists' Caucus for the Community of Destiny of the Global South. Seen from Africa, what is the significance of the 4th edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair?Héribert-label Elisée Adjovi : First of all, I’d like to point out, Madame Ma, that the 4th edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair kicks off on Thursday June 12, 2025, the last day of the FOCAC Ministerial Coordinators’ Meeting – which opened on Tuesday June 10. This mini-summit brings together the foreign and economic ministers of China and the 54 African FOCAC member countries. In itself, this exhibition is the greatest expression of Sino-African friendship and cooperation since the 9th FOCAC, held in Beijing in September 2024. A Forum at which Sino-African cooperation was raised to the level of a strategic partnership.Secondly, the fourth Changsha Economic and Trade Exhibition aims to strengthen economic and trade exchanges between the two partners, focusing on key sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, clean energy, textiles, the digital economy and mining technologies. With over 2,800 companies and financial institutions registered, and more than 12,000 participants, this edition promises to be a real catalyst for cooperation. In addition to the 20 economic and business forums scheduled, dialogues between Chinese and African entrepreneurs and exchanges on innovation and youth entrepreneurship will be organized. Last but not least, this exhibition is a good opportunity for Africa to mark its presence, notably with a diversity of products, ranging from pineapples from Benin, cocoa from Côte d’Ivoire, black soap from Ghana, essential oils from Congo, and wine from South Africa. All in all, the fourth Changsha Economic and Trade ai ris a strategic platform for boosting bilateral relations and exploring new investment opportunities.In his speech to the 9th Forum on Sino-African Cooperation, held on September 5, 2024, President Xi Jinping announced « Six Modernization Goals » that China and Africa are committed to pursuing together, as well as « Ten Partnership Actions » on modernization over the next three years. In your opinion, how does the Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Fair in Changsha contribute to this dynamic ?Ma Jiaying : Mr. Adjovi, I can’t wait to introduce you to this exceptional edition of the exhibition ! It revolves around the implementation of the “Ten China-Africa Action Partnerships” and includes 30 economic and business events covering a wide range of fields : industrial cooperation, green minerals, infrastructure, traditional medicine, cultural trade, innovation and youth entrepreneurship, etc. The total exhibition area covers 100,000 m². To date, 44 African countries have confirmed their participation in the event. They will be setting up specially designed stands to showcase their innovations, resources and flagship products. On the Chinese side, 23 provinces and municipalities are participating in the fair to showcase their competitive sectors and the vitality and richness of their cooperation with Africa.Secondly, the very high standard of the participants. Exhibitors included African giants such as Ethiopian Airlines and Kenya Airways, as well as renowned financial institutions such as Standard Bank (South Africa) and First Bank of Nigeria. The presence of major Chinese banks, including Bank of China, Agricultural Bank, ICBC, CCB, Bank of Communications and Export-Import Bank, testifies to the international scope of the event. Chinese leaders in industrial equipment, such as Sany Heavy Industry and Zoomlion, will also be present.Thirdly, a precise and targeted sectoral approach. This year’s event is designed to meet the specific needs of Chinese and African industries, and to promote strategic exchanges between supply and demand. Several new thematic zones have been created, notably around emblematic brands of Sino-African cooperation, quality African products and the Sino-African fashion industry. Influential Chinese companies in Africa, such as CRRC, Geely (Zhejiang) and Mengniu Dairy (Inner Mongolia), will be showcasing their technological innovations and solutions in the new energies and emerging industries sectors, illustrating their dynamism and international influence.More than 800 emblematic African products will be showcased at the event. These include hot sauces from Namibia, malachite bracelets from Kenya, South African wines, pineapple or “Pain de Sucre” from Benin, black soap from Ghana, sapphires from Tanzania, handicrafts made from ostrich eggs from South Africa, as well as essential oils and framed paintings from Congo (Brazzaville). A remarkable aspect of this event is that admission is free to the public, offering a large number of Chinese the opportunity to discover African products. I’m particularly pleased about this opportunity for direct exchanges between Chinese and African peoples. After all, the information circulating on social networks is not enough for the two peoples to understand each other properly. What do you think of this forum, Mr. Adjovi ?Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi : The fourth Changsha Economic and Trade ai ris fully in line with the “Six Modernization Objectives” and “Ten Partnership Actions” announced by President Xi Jinping at the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In my humble opinion, this exhibition’s contribution to Sino-African modernization lies at five levels : industrialization and trade, trade facilitation, innovation and sustainable development, training and empowerment, and connectivity and infrastructure.Speaking of industrialization and trade, the exhibition highlights key sectors such as agriculture, energy, the digital economy and infrastructure, which are pillars of African modernization. In terms of trade facilitation, by bringing together 2,800 companies and financial institutions as well as representatives from 44 African countries, it promotes two-way investment and trade, in line with the objective of commercial prosperity. In terms of innovation and sustainable development, the event promotes green technologies, the circular economy and clean energies, thus contributing to ecological modernization.In terms of training and empowerment, youth entrepreneurship forums and cultural exchanges are planned, in line with actions to strengthen skills and education. In terms of connectivity and infrastructure, the Expo supports projects linked to the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to improve land and sea connectivity between China and Africa. Clearly, the Fourth Changsha Economic and Trade Expo is a strategic platform that gives concrete expression to the commitments of FOCAC 2024, accelerating African modernization and consolidating the Sino-African partnership. Against the backdrop of the strategic relationship established between China and African countries, as well as recent developments in international economic and trade policies, what areas of cooperation could be envisaged to strengthen Sino-African economic and trade ties ? What concrete initiatives could contribute to building a China-Africa Community of Shared Future, capable of positively influencing global dynamics ? Madam Ma !Ma Jiaying : You asked a very interesting question. Recently, the Information Office of China’s State Council held a press conference to introduce the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and Sino-African economic and trade cooperation. At the conference, Assistant Minister of Commerce Tang Wenhong explained how to strengthen future cooperation between China and Africa. Let me quote his words in answer to your question :First, innovation. China is ready to maintain close exchanges with African countries in the fields of new technologies, new energies and new industries, to support the accelerated development of the digital industry in Africa, to seize opportunities for digital and intelligent development, and to promote industrial modernization through technological transformation.Second, green development. China will continue to provide Africa with new energy technologies and products, strengthen the green component in African industrial and agricultural production, support the continent’s energy transition, and enhance its sustainable development and climate resilience capabilities.Thirdly, talent training. China wishes to strengthen cooperation with African countries in vocational education, by building engineering institutes and Luban workshops, to help African countries train professionals in the fields of industrialization and agricultural modernization.These are the avenues we can take as we look to the future. In return, I’d like to ask you a question about the future. At the start of this interview, I mentioned the “intellectual vacuum” in the world today. Do you think that China and Africa can work together to fill this void and provide the world with a new solution ? Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi: In fact, China and Africa have already begun to fill the global intellectual void by strengthening their academic, cultural and technological cooperation. In concrete terms, this dynamic is based on five main axes: academic and scientific exchanges, technological development, economic and industrial cooperation, media and cultural influence, and reform of financial systems and international organizations.Sino-African cooperation in academic and scientific exchanges revolves around cooperation programs enabling Chinese and African researchers to share their knowledge and develop solutions adapted to contemporary challenges, particularly in the fields of science, medicine and green technologies. In the field of technological development, this cooperation takes the form of Chinese investment in technology transfer and training projects in Africa. In the economic and industrial sphere, it takes into account the “Belt and Road” Initiative and the African Union's Agenda 2063, promoting industrialization. A different approach to development, based on investment in infrastructure, education and innovation.As for media and cultural influence as a palliative to the global intellectual vacuum, China is investing in African media, training journalists and broadcasting content that enhances African and Chinese perspectives on global issues. What's more, the China-Africa Media Forum plays a key role in strengthening media exchanges between the two partners. At its 6th edition - held in Beijing on August 21, 2024 - discussions focused on media modernization, win-win cooperation and digital empowerment. At the end of the forum, both parties agreed:1. Support for modernization: Chinese and African media and think tanks were called upon to publicize the successes of Sino-African cooperation and offer intellectual support to the Global South;2. Signing of Agreements: six agreements were signed concerning radio and television, and 20 cooperation projects were announced;3. and the High-Level Dialogue: over 500 representatives of governments, media and international organizations took part in this event. Finally, the UN underscores the importance of the Sino-African partnership in reforming international financial structures, supporting sustainable development and giving the Global South in general, and Africa in particular, a greater role in major international forums. Undoubtedly, these joint efforts by China and Africa aim to fill the global intellectual void and propose innovative solutions for a more balanced and prosperous future.Ma Jiaying: Thank you, Mr. Adjovi, for the insightful insights. I look forward to our conversation. And as the CEO of Standard Bank South Africa pointed out: "While the West builds walls, China and Africa are building bridges." You and I will try to build a bridge, for a better understanding of what is happening in the world. And I hope that more and more African friends will come to China for various events like this exhibition.Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi: Ms. Ma, rest assured, nothing happens by chance! We have known each other for 12 years. 12 years is a time of stability, settlement, and harmony. I am both delighted and honored to work with you, through these publications, to build the material to build this magnificent bridge that brings China closer to Africa and offers a model of active solidarity. This is in line with the dynamics of building a community with a shared future for humanity, dear to President Xi Jinping. In Changsha, the China-Africa story is told in the present. Historians of the present, through these lines, you and I also tell it... from both sides of the river. Thank you, and welcome to Africa and Benin, My Dear Country!