By Héribert-Label Elisée Adjovi – Chairman of the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development, and Chairman of the African Journalists’ Caucus for the Global South Community Destiny
Taking stock of contemporary cooperation between China and Africa means recalling that the Chinese side has remained faithful to the commitments made in the aftermath of the Bandung Conference of April 1955 and within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement. China supported the newly independent African nations in gaining independence and then helped them build their development. Today, 70 years later, the record is impressive, to the point that since the last Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in September 2024, cooperation between China and African countries has been elevated to the level of a strategic partnership.
It must be said that on land, at sea, and in the air, there are tangible results. More than 100,000 km of roads, bridges, and interchanges, including the Godomey interchange, the only one in Benin to date. Over 10,000 km of railways, the most famous being the Tanzania-Zambia railway line. At sea, more than 100 ports and no fewer than 80 hydroelectric power stations. In the air, more than 100 airports built or modernized. Not to mention other aspects of Sino-African cooperation. In 58 years, no fewer than 23,000 health professionals under the Chinese Medical Mission have worked in Africa, treating 230 million patients. Thousands of scholarships have been granted to African students pursuing studies in China, as well as to professionals—civil servants and workers from various sectors. In agriculture, China assists Africa with mechanization to promote agribusiness, enabling Africa to process agricultural products locally for domestic consumption and export. And we know that since January 1, 2025, China has decided to exempt African agricultural products destined for China from customs duties, within the framework of exports. This shows that Sino-African cooperation, 70 years on, is exemplary for the Global South and a model to follow for major powers in reshaping their cooperation with Africa.
Looking at the Global Development Initiative, Africa and China have built inclusive growth. With the Global Security Initiative, not only are there training programs for defense and public security forces in China, but increasingly, logistical deployment and technical support, notably in the Horn of Africa, the Sahel, and the Gulf of Guinea. With the Global Civilization Initiative, we know very well that the year 2026 is dedicated to Sino-African human and cultural exchanges. We see that there is significant partnership between China and Africa in the cultural and educational fields—African and Chinese professors jointly develop projects. In addition, in the media and many other areas, ties between Chinese and Africans are increasingly strengthened.
Ultimately, Sino-African cooperation is exemplary, a model that sets the standard, and one that is crucial to replicate within South-South cooperation. It also serves as an example for the adaptation of former colonial powers in their relations, particularly with Africa.