China Africa Talk

Africa is accelerating its drive for industrialization. China, with its manufacturing expertise, technology, and investment is playing an increasingly important role in that process. Cooperation is expanding across renewable energy, local manufacturing, and industrial value chains. We visit a production site and speak with the people working to strengthen industrial value chains in Africa through local sourcing, skills development, and job creation.

Fifty years after Guangxi sent its first medical team to Niger, Chinese doctors continue to work alongside African colleagues. More health workers are also coming to China for specialist training. Through their experiences in Niger, the Comoros, and Guangxi, we look at how that exchange is helping strengthen local medical care.

Named after Lu Ban, an ancient Chinese craftsman and inventor, Luban Workshops offer hands-on training to young people in Africa. In Ethiopia, students learn to program industrial robots and prepare for work in automation. In Mali, trainees explore traditional Chinese medicine and its connections with African healing practices. We meet the students and teachers putting new skills to work and explore how that training could support local development.

European clubs spent heavily in the summer transfer window, with African players featuring in some of its most closely watched moves. We discuss which signings could make an impact, how price tags shape expectations, and why direct transfers from African clubs to Europe remain important for the continent's football.

Nairobi is set to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships, the event's first edition in Africa. We discuss the excitement among athletes, the preparations ahead, the potential benefits for local businesses, and how organizers can make the championships accessible to local fans.

Africa is home to an extraordinary range of cultures and traditions, but how much do we really know about them beyond familiar stereotypes? In this episode, voices from Kenya, South Africa, the Central African Republic and China come together for a lively conversation about culture and everyday life. They share personal stories, challenge assumptions, and discover some unexpected similarities along the way.

With a young workforce, abundant renewable energy resources, and an expanding manufacturing base, Ethiopia is seeking to turn its potential into sustainable growth. As a BRICS member, the East African country is also looking to deepen cooperation with China and other Global South partners. Nahom Berhanu Wendaferew, Minister Counselor at the Embassy of Ethiopia in China, discusses Ethiopia's development ambitions, and opportunities for China-Ethiopia cooperation.

Zimbabwe is looking to tap into Chinese expertise and investment to expand its renewable energy, lithium processing, and agricultural sectors. At the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services, Pedzisai Mwayera, Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of Zimbabwe in China, shares Zimbabwe's CIFTIS agenda and how deeper economic cooperation with China could support industrial development and create new opportunities for shared growth.

Across Africa, the dream of regional currencies has been decades in the making. Supporters say common currencies could boost intra-African trade, cut transaction costs and deepen economic integration. But repeated delays, economic disparities and concerns over national sovereignty continue to stand in the way. Could growing cross-border trade and digital payments finally change the equation? We discuss what is driving Africa's push for regional currencies, and whether the continent can turn a long-held ambition into reality.

As China-Africa ties continue to deepen, journalists on both sides have an important role to play in strengthening mutual understanding and challenging stereotypes. Nigerian journalist Michael Onjewu recently visited China for the second time, traveling to different cities and attending major China-Africa media exchange events. He shares his observations on China's development, the opportunities created by growing China-Africa trade, and why firsthand reporting matters in telling the China-Africa story.

Sierra Leone's Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, says Africa needs to tell its own stories and play a greater role in shaping emerging technologies. In an exclusive interview with China Africa Talk, Bah shares what Africa can learn from China's experience in building its own narrative, why he sees AI as a promising area for cooperation, and how China and Africa can deepen their partnership in media, technology and beyond.

African journalists say stronger media cooperation and emerging technologies are creating new opportunities for China and Africa to tell their own stories and better understand each other. Zimbabwean political commentator Dereck Goto and Ugandan journalist Raziah Athman share their views on how closer media exchanges and social media can help bring more authentic China-Africa stories to audiences around the world.

At the Zambia Cultural Center of Shaolin Temple, young Africans are learning Kung Fu alongside Chinese culture and regular academic education. They are building discipline, confidence, and new opportunities for themselves. We speak with Yanchen from China, Yanming from Côte d'Ivoire, and Hengshao from Zambia about how Kung Fu is taking root in Africa and how a new generation of African practitioners could become cultural bridges between China and Africa.

Africa is rich in renewable energy resources, yet millions of people across the continent still lack access to electricity. Why does this energy gap persist? What will it take to unlock Africa's vast potential and achieve greater energy independence? We discuss the financing, governance and infrastructure challenges holding Africa back, and explore how regional cooperation and partnerships, including with China, can help power the continent's future.

Young Africans are viewing China more positively than ever. The African Youth Survey 2026 finds that 95 percent of young people who see China as influential view that influence positively, the highest rating among all countries surveyed. What is driving China's growing appeal among Africa's younger generation, and how does it reflect realities on the ground? Saxon Zvina, principal consultant at Skyworld Consultancy Services in Harare, Zimbabwe, shares his insights on China's evolving role in Africa and the future of China-Africa cooperation.

What happens when a song about a copper mine becomes an online hit? Chambishi Copper Mine, written and performed by employees of a Chinese-operated mine in Zambia, has captured the attention of listeners with its uplifting melody and inspiring message. In this episode, we speak with Xu Laixiang, deputy CEO of NFC Africa Mining, and legal officer Mofya Bangwe about the inspiration behind the song, the revival of the mine, and how music has become a unique way of telling the story of China-Zambia.

How do you choose between passion and financial security? What skills matter most in today's rapidly changing workplace? Drawing on their own career journeys, four experienced CGTN Africa journalists answer questions from university students in Kenya, sharing advice to help young people navigate the transition from campus to career and build successful futures in Africa's evolving job market.

During her state visit to China, Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah shared the priorities of her visit and her vision for advancing bilateral ties. China Africa Talk spoke with the president about cooperation in industrialization and people-to-people exchanges. Listen to the highlights from her media briefing and our interview.

Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah's first state visit to China since taking office marks a new chapter in bilateral ties, as the two countries elevated their relationship to a China-Namibia community with a shared future for the new era. In this episode of China Africa Talk, Dr. Kaire Mbuende, Director General of Namibia's National Planning Commission, reflects on the outcomes of the visit and what this new chapter means for China-Namibia relations.

A record nine African nations reached the knockout stage at the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, but as the tournament enters its final stretch, only Morocco remains in contention after Egypt's dramatic exit to Argentina. So, what should we make of Africa's overall performance? In this episode recorded before Egypt's Round of 16 clash and Morocco's quarterfinal against France, we look back at the highs, the heartbreaks and the lessons from a historic campaign, and discuss why so many African teams came close, what held them back, and whether the continent is edging closer to producing a genuine World Cup contender.

Burundi showcases its rich cultural heritage in Beijing while sharing its vision for the future. Through performances of its famed Royal Drums, and discussions on peacebuilding and development, the country introduces Chinese audiences to a nation transformed by reconciliation. In this episode, Burundi's First Counsellor to China, Alfred Burimaso, and political science professor Elias Sentamba, discuss Burundi's path from conflict to peace, what it hopes to learn from China's modernization, and how the two countries are expanding cooperation.

Nine African nations reached the knockout stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup - a historic achievement that has reshaped the global football conversation. Since this discussion was recorded, Morocco have gone one step further, eliminating the Netherlands on penalties to book their place in the Round of 16, while South Africa, DR Congo, Senegal and Ivory Coast have bowed out after spirited performances. Meanwhile, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana and Cape Verde are still chasing history. Recorded just before the knockout stage began, this conversation captures the excitement, optimism and big questions surrounding African football's remarkable rise.

For decades, much of the world's perception of Africa has been shaped by outsiders. But the rapid growth of social media is giving Africans the unprecedented opportunities to tell their own stories and challenge stereotypes. We discuss how digital media is transforming Africa's image and what it will take for the continent to truly own its story.

What explains the enduring ties between the Communist Party of China and Zimbabwe's ruling party, ZANU-PF? As the CPC marks its 105th anniversary, Farai Marapira, ZANU-PF's Director of Information and Publicity, reflects on China's development journey, the CPC's approach to governance, and the experiences that are relevant for Zimbabwe.

Five years after China eliminated absolute poverty, its development experience continues to draw attention across the world, particularly in Africa. In this episode, guests from The Gambia, China, Rwanda and Namibia examine how Africa can draw on China's experience and pursue development paths tailored to its own realities.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo is once again battling an Ebola outbreak. China has responded by sending a medical expert team to help contain the virus and strengthen local response capacity. In this episode, Chinese Ambassador to the DRC Zhao Bin discusses the latest developments, the work of Chinese medical experts on the ground, and the broader significance of China-Africa health cooperation.

A camel, a Samburu guide, and a Chinese traveler walking across Kenya's Rift Valley toward Lake Turkana. It sounds like the beginning of an adventure story. But behind the deserts and survival challenges lies a deeper story about friendship, cultural understanding and China-Africa exchanges. In this episode, we speak with Chinese photographer Qi Lin, author of the Camel Diaries. Zimbabwean writer and journalist Monica Cheru also joins the conversation as we explore how ordinary people are shaping the relationship between China and Africa.

Mali's security crisis is deepening, with armed groups, separatist movements and criminal networks driving instability far beyond the country's borders. We examine how Mali reached this point, why past international interventions fell short, and what the crisis means for civilians, regional security and Africa's cultural heritage.

Africa's health sector is rapidly evolving, with digital health systems, AI, telemedicine, and mobile technologies reshaping healthcare delivery across the continent. At the recent World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 in Nairobi, leaders and innovators stressed the need for African-led, technology-driven healthcare solutions. We explore how digital innovation is transforming healthcare in Africa and what it means for the continent's future.

As exchanges between China and Africa continue to deepen, media cooperation has become an increasingly important bridge for mutual understanding and people-to-people ties. In an interview with China Africa Talk, Zimbabwe's Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Zhemu Soda, shared his views on strengthening China-Africa storytelling, Zimbabwe's expectations for China's zero-tariff policy for African countries, and how Zimbabwe hopes to learn from China's development experience as it advances its Vision 2030 agenda.

A new UN resolution is bringing renewed attention to the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade. On March 25, 2026, the UN General Assembly recognized it as the "gravest crime against humanity," reigniting calls for reparations, and debate over who should be held responsible. What comes next? And how does the legacy of slavery still shape Africa today?

April 23 marks World Book and Copyright Day. For Africa, the occasion highlights the journey of its literature, the struggles of its authors, and the continent's growing contribution to global storytelling. In this episode, we explore the status of books in Africa in a digital era that has largely re-written information consumption. We also share a selection of African books worth reading.

Namibia is looking to deepen trade, investment and people-to-people ties with China at a time when new opportunities are emerging for African countries. In this interview with China Africa Talk, Namibia's Minister of International Relations and Trade Selma Ashipala-Musavyi discusses cooperation in areas spanning exports, industrial development, and youth and cultural exchanges. She highlights the significance of Namibia and China's shared commitment to multilateralism in a changing global landscape.

As China and Namibia continue to deepen cooperation, young people are playing an increasingly important role in shaping the future of bilateral ties. In this episode, we speak with Alina Mbango, a Namibian PhD student studying in Beijing. She shares how her experience in China has broadened her perspective and strengthened her desire to contribute to Namibia's development.

April 8 is International Day for the Conservation of Rare Animals, a day dedicated to raising awareness about wildlife protection and promoting harmony between humans and nature. Raabia Hawa, Founder and Director of Ulinzi Africa Foundation in Kenya and Zhou Mi, Senior Research Fellow, Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, provide insights into the successful and sustainable conservation cases that have made a real difference on the ground in Africa and China, as well as potential areas for deeper China-Africa collaboration in wildlife conservation.

Starting May 1, 2026, China will impose zero tariffs on imports from 53 African states. We take a closer look at its potential impact on the ground in Africa, exploring how the policy is not only expected to boost the volume of African exports to China, but also to improve market access, encourage value-added production, and reshape trade dynamics between China and the continent.

Cooperation between China and countries around Lake Victoria is gaining new momentum, driven by a shared need to balance ecological protection with sustainable development. From China's experience in restoring Poyang Lake to community-based projects in East Africa, both sides are exploring practical ways to address environmental challenges while improving livelihoods. How are these efforts translating on the ground, and what do they reveal about the future of China-Africa green cooperation?

As China-Africa cooperation continues to expand, so does the conversation around how their story is told. While traditional narratives have often focused on conflict and crisis, voices from both regions are offering a different perspective, one shaped by development, cultural exchange and real experiences on the ground. We explore how Chinese and African media are reshaping the narrative, and what more can be done to strengthen mutual understanding and engagement.

The Middle East conflict is being felt far beyond its borders. In this episode, we examine its ripple effects across Africa, where countries are already bearing the brunt through higher fuel costs, disrupted trade, and intensifying diplomatic strains.

The Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), introduced in 2023, has become an important pillar of China's vision for global engagement. As China-Africa cooperation continues to expand across sectors, the role of civilizational dialogue is becoming increasingly significant. How is the GCI influencing China-Africa relations? And how does this initiative contribute to a more inclusive global order?

In this special episode of China Africa Talk, we bring you the premiere episode of Talk Africa+, a new podcast launched by CGTN Africa. In this episode, we take a closer look at the state of aviation in Africa, examining the key barriers holding the sector back and what it will take for the industry to thrive.

China and Uganda have enjoyed more than six decades of diplomatic relations, with cooperation spanning various areas including infrastructure, agriculture, education and energy. In an exclusive interview with China Africa Talk, Oliver Wonekha, Uganda's Ambassador to China, shares her insights on the growing Uganda-China partnership, particularly the opportunities emerging from China's development strategies and its expanding opening-up policies reaffirmed at this year's Two Sessions.