China Africa Talk

As the host of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, central China's Hunan Province is gaining fresh attention for its rising influence in China-Africa cooperation. From pioneering industrial transfer models to forging new trade routes and advancing partnerships in agriculture and healthcare, Hunan is stepping up as a vital bridge, helping shape a more connected and prosperous future between China and Africa.

Africa Day, marked each year on May 25, is more than a commemoration—it's a call to collective prosperity. As Africa navigates its development journey, it also strengthens ties with global partners like China. We speak with Ambassador Rahmat M. Osman, the African Union's Permanent Representative to China, about the evolving role of the AU in shaping China-Africa cooperation, and how this annual celebration is fueling new momentum in cross-regional collaboration.

Tourism is playing an increasingly vital role in boosting China's economy, with rising domestic travel driving consumption and job creation. As China marks its 15th Tourism Day on May 19, the spotlight also turns to international partnerships, especially with Africa, where growing ties offer fresh potential for two-way tourism growth.

Marking 45 years of diplomatic relations between Zimbabwe and China, Zimbabwe's ambassador to China Abigail Shoniwa reflects on the journey of friendship, trust and growing cooperation. In an exclusive interview, she shares insights into how the two nations are building on their strong foundation to pursue broader partnerships in the future.

Kenyan film "Nawi: Dear Future Me" was honored with a Special Jury Award at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival after being shortlisted for the prestigious Tiantan Award, standing out as a compelling voice from Africa. What does such recognition mean for African filmmakers? And how can African and Chinese cinema deepen cultural ties between the two continents? Filmmaker Vallentine Chelluget and Luc Bendza, Chief Representative of the African Film Association in Asia, join us to discuss the significance of this moment and the future of African-Chinese film collaboration.

China and Kenya have elevated their relationship to a Community with a Shared Future for the New Era as Kenyan President William Ruto undertakes his five-day state visit to China from April 22 to 26. This marks Ruto's first official trip to China since taking office in 2022. During talks in Beijing, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China's commitment to multilateralism and global fairness, while Ruto praised China's stabilizing role and support for the Global South amid growing trade tensions. What outcomes can be expected from this upgraded partnership? How can the Global South unite in response to rising U.S. tariffs and economic uncertainty? Liu Baocheng and Peter Kagwanja share their insights.

In April 1955, delegates from 29 Asian and African countries met in Bandung, Indonesia, to tackle pressing issues of peace, security, and economic development. Professor Wang Jinjie and Paul Frimpong reflect on Bandung's enduring legacy, discuss how its spirit continues to shape Asia–Africa relations, and explore how countries of the Global South can determine their own futures and build lasting collective resilience.

The U.S. has unveiled sweeping new tariffs — including a staggering 145% on Chinese goods and steep duties on African nations like South Africa (30%) and Lesotho (50%). While tariffs on most countries are temporarily paused, a 10 % blanket duty still applies. Could this disruption open the door to deeper China–Africa economic ties? We speak with Victor Gao and Thembisa Fakude to explore the risks — and the opportunities.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has elected its first-ever female president — and she's also the first from Africa. Zimbabwe's Kirsty Coventry, a decorated Olympian and sports leader, has made history by becoming the 10th president of the IOC, ushering in a new era of representation and inclusion in global sport.We explore what this landmark moment means for Africa, women, and the future of the Olympic movement with Thabani Gonye, President of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, and Marlene Gadzirayi, the Committee's CEO.

As China's economy rebounds and consumer interest grows, over 20 African designers debut at the Africa Reimagined Showroom at SHFW 2025. We speak with Hannah Ryder, Anissa Mpungwe, and Taibo Bacar on how African fashion is making waves in one of the world's most strategic markets.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Namibia. From China's support for Namibia's independence movement in the 1960s to the deepening partnership today, the two nations have built strong ties. Cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and healthcare has yielded mutual benefits. As both countries pursue shared development, what new opportunities lie ahead for collaboration? With Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah assuming office as Namibia's first female president, what priorities might her leadership bring?

In this episode, We break down the key highlights of the 2025 Government Work Report, including the GDP growth target, industry priorities, and measures to boost domestic consumption and foreign investment. We also explore China's commitment to the Global South and the evolving landscape of China-Africa cooperation.

China's Two Sessions set the stage for key policy decisions, shaping the country's future and global relations. Among the journalists covering this year's event is Daniel Arapmoi from Nairobi, who is exploring how these discussions will impact China-Africa cooperation. We spoke with him to hear his insights.

China's booming box office is sparking a fresh wave of travel inspired by film locations, scenic spots, and cultural stories. With travel agencies offering themed tours and a global promotional campaign encouraging international exploration, this trend is especially catching the attention of foreign travelers including those from Africa. We discuss how movies are reshaping the way we experience China's rich landscapes and heritage, along with key trends among African travelers to China.

Recently, China has made global headlines with groundbreaking achievements. From DeepSeek's strides in artificial intelligence to Ne Zha 2's cultural success, the country is shaping the future in both technology and entertainment. What does the success of Ne Zha 2 reflect about China's growing cultural confidence and its ability to tell its own stories? And as Africa also boasts rich and diverse cultures, what can be done to transform local African stories into successful productions with universal appeal?

Chinese startup DeepSeek has made a major leap in AI technology with the launch of its R1 chatbot, offering high performance at a low cost. By using pure deep learning methods, the R1 model enables AI to develop reasoning capabilities on its own. This advancement not only reshapes the global tech landscape but also opens up exciting new opportunities for technological growth in China and Africa. Victor Gao and Alhassan Bala share more on the impact of DeepSeek's innovation.

Wetlands are vital ecosystems that sustain biodiversity, protect against climate change, and support communities worldwide. Yet, they are disappearing at an alarming rate. As we reflect on World Wetlands Day 2025, the urgency to protect these natural treasures has never been greater. Ma Jun and Ali-Said Matano explore why wetlands matter, the threats they face, and how global collaboration can secure their future.

Rumbidzo Herbert Marembo and Shamiso Fungura, two Zimbabwean entrepreneurs based in Shanghai, are connecting China and Africa through their e-commerce platform, KOKI Delivery. By combining logistics, international shipping, and doorstep delivery, their venture links China's manufacturing power with Africa's growing market.

Hans Seesaghur, a Mauritian with deep ties to China, spent nearly 20 years experiencing Chinese New Year traditions across regions like Liaoning, Fujian, and Chengdu. Each celebration revealed unique customs, deepening his love for Chinese culture. Back in Mauritius, where Chinese New Year is a public holiday, the festive spirit extends beyond the Chinese community, uniting people in joy and celebration. For Hans, the festival symbolizes cultural connection and shared prosperity.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a cornerstone of Chinese culture, centered around family reunions, festive traditions, and an unparalleled travel rush. This year's celebration holds even greater significance, as it marks the first Spring Festival since UNESCO recognized the festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. The global recognition highlights the cultural richness of this ancient tradition, which has become a bridge connecting communities far beyond China's borders.

Chinese private enterprises have seen remarkable growth in Africa, playing a pivotal role in shaping the continent's economic and social landscape. In this episode, we evaluate the growing presence of China's private business sector in Africa, exploring their impacts and contributions to Africa's development.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is visiting Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad and Nigeria from January 5 to 11, continuing a 35-year tradition that the Chinese foreign minister visits Africa on the first overseas trip of the year. The visit sees the beginning of the implementation the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan 2025-2027 and reinforces China-Africa ties, now elevated to an all-weather community with a shared future for the new era. Three experts share more insights on the significance of Wang Yi's Africa tour.

As 2025 unfolds, it marks a pivotal year for the implementing the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. The year, China-Africa cooperation is set to reach new heights, driven by renewed momentum and shared goals. Three experts provide key insights into the future of this evolving partnership.

2024 will be remembered as a year of stability and remarkable progress in China-Africa relations, with ties between the two sides seen at its best in history. The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation held in Beijing made a milestone. In our annual year-in-review episode, three experts discuss key events and trends that shaped China Africa relations in 2024. They also share their personal gains and experiences owing to this growing partnership.

Agriculture is a key pillar of The Gambia's economy. However, its growth is constrained by challenges such as limited resources, low capacity, and the impacts of climate change. Lamin Fatty, Dean of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of The Gambia, discusses the current state of the sector and explores pathways to unlocking its full potential.

From December 7 to 11, the 4th China-Africa Future Leaders' Dialogue is held in Hubei Province under the theme "Partners Working Hand in Hand for Modernization." As a key step to implement the outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC Summit, youth representatives from 14 African countries visited Yichang and Wuhan, engaging in meaningful exchanges with their Chinese counterparts on modernization. Three young African delegates share their insights and takeaways on how these experiences could contribute to the development of their home countries.

China and Burundi share a strong and growing friendship, marked by booming cooperation in various sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure and energy. Burundian ambassador to China Telesphore Irambona discusses the current state and future potential of this partnership and calls for increased Chinese investment in the East African nation.

China has granted zero tariffs to Least Developed Countries with established diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries, effective from December 1, 2024. This move significantly lowers costs for African exports, boosts competitiveness, and strengthens economic ties between Africa and its largest trading partner, China. With nations like The Gambia benefiting, this policy opens new doors for trade and investment while promoting shared development. Find out more about how this game-changing policy impacts African economies with Lamin Dampha, the Permanent Secretary at The Gambia's Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment and Chen Huiyi, Research and Coordination Analyst with Development Reimagined.

Xavier Owona, a Cameroonian fashion designer and founder of XaferWear, has spent nine years in China building a brand that seamlessly fuses African cultural elements with modern fashion. Based in Shanghai, Owona's journey highlights how young African entrepreneurs are thriving in China while promoting cross-cultural understanding.

For over three years, China Africa Talk has been bridging African and Chinese perspectives, offering fresh insights into an evolving partnership. Across Africa, journalists are reclaiming narratives, challenging Western portrayals, and collaborating with their Chinese counterparts to tell nuanced stories. Today, three African journalists in China join us to discuss how they're shaping the narrative of this dynamic relationship.

In Kenya's Nzoia River basin, bamboo is proving to be a game-changer in flood control and ecosystem restoration. Through a China-Kenya collaboration, local communities are learning to use bamboo's deep roots to prevent soil erosion and slow floodwaters, enhancing climate resilience and food security. The transferring of crucial bamboo technology and skills is also improving local livelihoods. Two experts directly involved in the initiative walk us through this innovative project.

The upcoming G20 Leaders' Summit on November 18-19 in Rio de Janeiro promises to be a landmark event, with all 19 member countries, the African Union, and the European Union in attendance. For the first time, the African Union joins as a permanent member, marking a historic step toward amplifying Africa's role in global governance. Ahead of the summit, we explore potential priorities for China, the significance of the AU's inclusion, and how China and Africa might leverage the G20 platform to collaborate on global economic, social, and environmental issues.

This year's China International Import Expo (CIIE), the world's first national-level expo dedicated solely to imports, is back in Shanghai from November 5-10. Burundi is participating in the country exhibition for the first time. Alfred Burimaso, First Counsellor at the Embassy of Burundi in China highlights how Burundi is seizing the moment to showcase unique products, from high-quality coffee to artisanal crafts. He discusses the impact of China's zero-tariff policy for least-developed countries, the advantages of CIIE's vast marketplace, and how Burundi strengthens economic ties with China and the world.

Which coffees have captured your taste buds so far? Maybe it's the smooth Geisha from Panama? The exotic Kopi Luwak from Indonesia or the renowned Blue Mountain Coffee from Jamaica? Let's narrow the choice a little. What about African coffees? Perhaps you are a fan of Ethiopian Yirgacheffe or Kenya AA? Andrew Gatera is a passionate advocate for the coffee from his country, Rwanda, known as the country of a thousand hills. Gatera sets his sights on expanding Rwanda coffee's reach in the Chinese market via the China International Import Expo or CIIE. He shares his experiences at CIIE and his goals to introduce Rwandan coffee to the world.

The phrase "all-weather friend," first coined by Zambia's founding father Kenneth Kaunda to describe China, has become a defining term for the solid friendship between China and Zambia, and more broadly, between China and Africa. This year marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Zambia. As both nations move forward, the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is set to deepen their bond.

South Africa's choral music resonates at China's 600-year-old Temple of Heaven. Making its debut at the 2024 Beijing Music Festival, Cape Town Opera captivated Chinese audiences with rich harmonies and vibrant expressions of South African music and culture.

The 16th BRICS Summit, taking place under Russia's chairmanship in Kazan from October 22–24, marks a historic moment with the inclusion of five new members: Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia. Notably, African countries now represent one-third of the bloc's membership, strengthening the platform for Africa's voices on the global stage. As Egypt and Ethiopia join South Africa in the BRICS, the summit offers an important opportunity for the continent to advocate for its economic development, global governance reform, and greater South-South cooperation.

"Small and Beautiful" projects emerge as a vital component of China-Africa cooperation. These initiatives focus on providing localized, targeted solutions to Africa's unique social and economic challenge. As they continue to gain momentum, they demonstrate the potential for China's engagement in Africa to address not only top-down, macro-level growth but also everyday needs of Africans.

China-Africa cooperation spans from monumental infrastructural projects like Nigeria's Lekki DeepSea Port and the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway to grassroots initiatives such as the promotion of Juncao technology program and the Luban Workshop. Over the next three years, 1000 additional“Small and Beautiful” projects will take root across the African continent. We speak with Liu Zhiqin and Charles Onunaiju to explore how these “Small and Beautiful” projects are positively impacting local communities.

October 1st marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. The 75 years has witnessed the strengthening of relations between China and Africa. China played a crucial role in Africa's liberation movements and has been a key contributor to the continent's modernization efforts. Africa was instrumental in facilitating China's resumption of UN membership, standing with China on various international platforms. David Monyae and Liu Baocheng walk us through the political choices and shared ideals that have tied China and Africa together over these decades.

The growing cooperation between China and Africa extends beyond trade and investment, reaching into the realm of culture, including cuisines. In this episode, we meet two young men from Ghana, who are adding flavors of West Africa to Beijing's diverse culinary scene.

The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) marks a pivotal moment in China-Africa relations, with the relationship now viewed as the strongest in history. But why is this the case? In this episode, we'll break down the key takeaways from the summit and explore how this deepened partnership is shaping the future of China-Africa cooperation.