Africa and China enjoy a long and deep rooted ties that is cemented by tangible and fruitful areas of cooperation. The relations between the two sides got momentum ever since the coming in to reality of the Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) 25 years ago.
The leaders of Africa and China are set to hold a meeting in China in a couple of days the Ministerial Coordinators’ Meeting on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC will be held in China.
In connection with the forum and the launch of Meet China in Africa event, the Chinese Mission to Africa Union had held brief talks with representatives of the African Union (AU) over the week.
Addressing the meeting Deputy Head of Chinese Mission to AU HE Mr Zhang Wei has delivered the following remarks “This year marks the 25th anniversary of the launch of FOCAC. Guided by the principles of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, the overall China-Africa relations have been upgraded to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. In other words, the best in history. I’d like to extend sincere appreciation to all of you, for the important role you have played in this journey”
Even though China and Africa beefed up their relations under the framework of FOCAC during the last 25 years, the overall friendship and interactions have undergone more decades of notable and win-win collaboration that have laid the foundation for the existing strong ties.
“The relationship between our continent and China is one of enduring friendship, fruitful cooperation, and mutual respect. Over the past decades, China and Africa have forged a strategic partnership rooted in shared values, common development goals, and a spirit of solidarity that has stood the test of time” said HE Mr J Rico J Bien-Aime, Director of the Operation and Support Services Directorate (OSSD) of the AUC.
He further reaffirmed his countries unwavering stance to stand by the side of Africa in such adverse global phenomena, “China will, as always, firmly support the just positions of African countries in international and regional affairs, take concrete steps to redress historical injustices suffered by Africa, and steadfastly support Africa in playing a greater role on the international stage”
Africa and China host almost 3 billion people, about 35% of the global population. Therefore, development activities that center the human resource development and welfare is a priority. Especially China can share effective support for Africa in its acclaimed experience of transforming its vast population as development force.
Technical and vocational education and training can be a typical area of cooperation where China and Africa can transform human capital. Among the salient intervention that china is making in Africa is the establishment of Luban Workshops.
The Luban Workshop is a Chinese initiative focused on international vocational education, aiming to cultivate skilled professionals in various fields. It’s a collaborative program between Chinese universities and technical institutes with foreign counterparts, providing high-end technical training and practical skills development. The workshops are named after Lu Ban, a legendary artisan in ancient China.
Africa is highly challenged by health problems, which usually drags its advancement in economic development. Therefore health and medical cooperation can help the continent substantially to ensure sustainable growth.
Another bottom line issue for the continent is higher education and training that can gear the continents all round development. In all these sectors Mr Zhang Wei has stated his country’s continued commitment to collaborate with Africa. “For human capital, China will continue to build Luban Workshops, and provide training opportunities to Africa. For health, we will continue to dispatch medical teams, support the fight against outbreaks and work with Africa CDC.
Our contribution in this regard is in stark contrast to the US, and is highly commended by his Excellency Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf. For education, China has become a preferred study destination for many young Africans”
On top of the aforementioned fields the decades of strong relations between China and Africa is best portrayed by the trade, investment and infrastructure development endeavors that took place in the continent during the last quarter of a century.
Mr Wei elaborated that over the past 25 years, China-Africa bilateral trade has increased 27-fold, China’s investment stock in Africa has grown more than 80 times.
“In the past three years alone, Chinese enterprises have created over 1.1 million jobs in Africa. Today’s project [The Addis Ababa Bole International Airport expansion] is a shining example” he reiterated.
Indeed the project that were implemented in Africa over the years are practical witnesses for the earnest presence of China in Africa. Hence, the statement “Meet China in Africa” makes a good sense as the collaboration of the two sides has enabled the interconnection of the countries through roads, railways, airports, telecommunication, electricity and other facilities.
The delegation that represented the AU has paid a visit to the just ended third phase expansion project of the Addis Ababa Bole International Airport which was carried out by the CCCC First Highway Engineering Group.
Mr Bien-Aime noted on the occasion that Chinas unreserved support to the unity and strength of the continent is practically demonstrated by the commitment to build the headquarters in Addis Ababa, whose role was immense in consolidating the commissions overall activities. “Among the most emblematic symbols of this partnership is the African Union Headquarters in Addis Ababa — a landmark gift from the Government of the People’s Republic of China to the African people.
This magnificent structure is more than just a building. It is the institutional heart of our Union, a house of continental dialogue, policy, and vision. It reflects both the aspirations of a united Africa and the strength of our ties with China. We are particularly grateful not only for the construction of the headquarters itself but also for the more than a decade of sustained technical cooperation that has followed.”
He further explained that since its completion in 2012, China has provided ongoing support in the form of technical assistance, maintenance, information technology services, equipment upgrading, and capacity building for AU staff. These contributions have played a critical role in ensuring that our headquarters continues to function at the highest level of efficiency and innovation.
“This long-term collaboration reflects China’s genuine commitment to Africa’s institutional development. It is a testament to the idea that friendship is not measured solely by grand gestures, but by the consistency of support over time. We deeply appreciate this dedication, which enhances the daily functioning of our Union and reinforces the strategic depth of our partnership,” he noted.
“Another key milestone in our cooperation is the China-assisted construction of the new headquarters of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). This project is not only timely, but visionary.
As Africa strengthens its public health systems in response to current and future challenges, the new Africa CDC headquarters will serve as a hub for disease control, scientific research, and health diplomacy. It will significantly enhance the capacity of the continent to respond effectively to epidemics, pandemics, and other health emergencies”
Without being restricted in building the facilities for the disease prevention in the continent, China has actively involved in safeguarding the continent from the dreadful outbreak of Ebola and later the global pandemic COVID-19 which still remains a living testament in every African household. “The commitment demonstrated by China during the COVID-19 pandemic — including medical supplies, vaccine support, and expert teams — exemplifies what true partnership looks like in times of need. But China’s engagement with Africa’s public health is not limited to moments of crisis. Through initiatives like the Africa CDC project, China is helping us build resilient, sustainable health systems for the long term” Bien-Aime explained.
The director went on further elaborating that China-Africa cooperation has extended across many fields: from infrastructure, health, education, and technology to agriculture, energy, and cultural exchange. It is a model of South-South cooperation that is grounded in equality, mutual benefit, and common development. “Our collaboration is not abstract; it produces real, measurable progress that transforms lives and communities across the African continent,” he stated.
Editor’s Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald
BY ZEKARIAS WOLDEMARIAM
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 8 JUNE 2025
