China Africa Talk

Ethiopia and Kenya have become the first African countries to adopt yuan-based debt-swap arrangements, seeking to alleviate the burden of their dollar-denominated debts. This move reflects a growing demand for the Chinese yuan in Africa to avoid foreign exchange losses and transaction costs. We dissect this trend and its implications.

Rwanda has participated in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) since its inception in 2018, leveraging the platform to bring its exceptional coffee, chilies, and handicrafts into countless Chinese households. Rwandan Ambassador to China James Kimonyo shares how the East African nation is using the platform not only to expand exports, but also to attract Chinese investment, forging a partnership that fuels mutual growth.

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) has set new records in both exhibition area and exhibitor numbers, attracting over 4,000 exhibitors from 155 countries, regions, and international organizations. With African participation growing significantly, including 17 countries in the Country Exhibition, how is the CIIE creating pathways for Africa's growth and innovation, and fostering a shared future between China and Africa?

At the recent CPC Central Committee plenum, China set the blueprint for its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), reinforcing a focus on high-quality development and technological advancement. We explore the implications for global partners, with a special look at what it means for Africa.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the world's largest international organization dedicated to peace, security, and cooperation. Since its founding in 1945, the UN has been a platform for dialogue among nations. In this episode, we reflect on eight decades of the UN's evolution and explore how it must adapt to remain relevant in a changing world.

Three decades after the landmark 1995 UN World Conference on Women in Beijing, Gertrude Mongella, Secretary-General of the conference and a pioneer in global women's empowerment, returns to the city for the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women. In an exclusive interview with China Africa Talk, she reflects on the legacy of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, shares her insights on China's growing contribution to global gender equality, and offers her hopes for how future generations of women can live in a fairer and more equal world.

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, CGTN Radio has launched Together Forward, a special feature series showcasing the breadth and depth of China-Africa partnership. A launch event for the series was held at the Communication University of China on October 10th, bringing together its main protagonists and experts who shared personal stories of China-Africa friendship and collaboration. Here's the audio recording of that event. (Please note: The background music in the behind-the-scenes video is AI-generated.)

The Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027), adopted at last year's FOCAC meeting, lays out a detailed roadmap to deepen cooperation across trade, industrialization, green development, digital innovation, and people-to-people exchange. In just one year, the plan has already produced tangible results, from new investment partnerships to stronger collaboration.

A "green wave" is reshaping China-Africa cooperation. In Kenya, from solar-powered poultry coops to smart greenhouses that read the soil like a living language, Chinese green technologies are transforming livelihoods and powering the country's sustainable future.

Opening its doors in 2021, Mmopane Primary School is one of four built with Chinese assistance in Botswana. We explore how the school is providing quality education and changing the lives of many children and their families.

The China-Africa Science and Technology Backyard program is nurturing high-quality agricultural talents for Africa. Leveraging China's experience and techniques, those young leaders are empowering farmers and improving the livelihoods of thousands across the continent.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Since its launch in 2000, FOCAC has delivered concrete benefits in political trust, trade, infrastructure, education, health, and people - to- people exchanges, while deepening ties between China and Africa. Join us as we look at how this framework has shaped development over the past quarter century.

Over the past decade, China has drilled more than one thousand boreholes across Zimbabwe, benefiting nearly 400-thousand people, most of them in rural areas. We take you to a China-drilled borehole in the southern African country, and explore how the facility has brought clean water and hope.

China-Africa trade is thriving, with Yiwu playing a growing role in connecting markets and people. Two African entrepreneurs share how they are finding new opportunities and building stronger ties between China and Africa.

A Chinese director has spent over a decade documenting China-Africa stories, using his camera to bridge cultures and foster understanding. He's also dedicated to mentoring the next generation of China-Africa storytellers, further strengthening the partnership.

China's Global Governance Initiative arrives at a pivotal moment for the Global South. For Africa, its five principles, sovereign equality, international rule of law, multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and concrete action, chart a path to redress historical imbalances and share decision-making more fairly. Charles Onunaiju believes the GGI can help rebalance global power towards a more inclusive and equitable international order.

At the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" summit in Tianjin, President Xi Jinping unveiled the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) which highlights sovereign equality, respect for international law, genuine multilateralism, and people-centered cooperation and concrete cooperation. Liu Baocheng and Paul Frimpong weigh in on how GGI is presented as a blueprint for reforming global governance and expanding the role of the Global South.

The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has drawn active participation from Africa, offering new opportunities to connect, innovate, and collaborate with China. Titus Nampala, CEO of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Emma Mutijima, Rwandan coffee exporter and CEO of Phoenix Ventures Ltd., share their perspectives on how African exhibitors can leverage CIFTIS to showcase the continent's strengths, build partnerships, and become active participants in shaping the future of global service trade.

World War II was won by a global effort, but its history is incomplete. Liu Baocheng and Kenneth Ombongi share the crucial, yet overlooked, roles of China and Africa in defeating fascism and how this shared past is forging a new future.

What is the Shanghai Cooperation Organization's (SCO) on-the-ground impact? For journalists on a recent tour of China's facilities, the answer is clear: it's a vital channel for sharing expertise and driving common development. Journalists from Pakistan and South Africa share their eye-opening insights on how China is fostering partnership within the SCO and across the Global South.

Yangling in northwest China's Shaanxi Province is becoming a hub for agricultural cooperation under the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). Home to China's first national-level agricultural high-tech zone, Yangling is driving innovation and exchange, attracting experts from across the Global South to explore new solutions in sustainable farming and agricultural modernization.

China's "lucid waters and lush mountains" vision, a pillar of its green development strategy for two decades, is inspiring fresh opportunities for China–Africa cooperation. Experts from China and Africa share how it can strengthen environmental partnerships and promote sustainable growth on the African continent.

As new U.S. tariffs take effect, African countries like South Africa and Lesotho are facing growing trade pressures. With the U.S. seen as a less predictable partner, experts are exploring how deeper China-Africa cooperation could help navigate the shifting landscape.

On July 29, young leaders from over 130 countries gather in Beijing for the World Youth Conference for Peace, where they share ideas on building a more peaceful and sustainable future. With a strong presence from China and Africa, the event highlights the power of youth in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and green development. These young voices are shaping a new narrative of unity, action, and hope.

As the Ramsar COP15 unfolds in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, the spotlight is once again on global efforts to protect wetlands. Building on the momentum of the Wuhan Declaration adopted at COP14 in China, this year's conference brings together 172 parties to chart a shared path forward. Lei Guangchun and Anthony Phiri discuss priorities and targets Africa and China can set to protect wetlands and promote environmental sustainability for a shared future.

As the world confronts climate change and growing food security challenges, green agriculture is emerging as one of the key ares in China-Africa cooperation. During the Third China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, experts and industry leaders highlight new trends and opportunities to build more sustainable agricultural supply chains, from seeds to markets. How can China and Africa work together to drive this green transition? We take a closer look with Zhou Yuguang and Kojo Ahiakpa.

As artificial intelligence transforms daily life and global development, how can human civilization preserve its cultural essence? At the 11th Nishan Forum in Qufu, global thinkers explore the intersection of AI, culture, and modernization. Meanwhile, the Global Civilizations Dialogue Ministerial Meeting in Beijing signals high-level momentum to safeguard diversity and deepen cooperation in culture across borders.

The 17th BRICS Summit takes place in Rio de Janeiro on July 6 and 7, with Brazil leading this year's agenda under the theme of strengthening Global South cooperation. As BRICS continues to grow in influence, we discuss how it can further amplify the voice of developing nations and deliver tangible results.

The Nishan Forum on World Civilization, established in 2010 in Qufu, Shandong, has become one of the leading platforms for dialogue among civilizations. This year's 11th Nishan Forum seeks how different civilizations can seek common ground and pursue modernization together. In this episode, we explore how China and Africa can collaborate at the forum to advance shared goals for development and mutual understanding.

On June 25, China and Mozambique celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations. Over the past five decades, the two countries have built strong cooperation in trade, agriculture, education, and infrastructure. With zero-tariff access to China since December 2024, Mozambique's exports are gaining new momentum. In this episode, we speak with political analyst Gil Anibal on the journey and future of this enduring partnership.

At the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, African entrepreneurs showcase everything from tea and cashews to specialty coffee, forging new connections and exploring opportunities in the Chinese market. These encounters highlight the growing depth and diversity of China-Africa business cooperation on the ground.

Agriculture is the backbone of Africa's economy. For Uganda, modernizing this critical sector is not just an economic priority, but a path to long-term resilience and development. David Kasura Kyomukama, Permanent Secretary at Uganda's Ministry for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries discusses how agricultural transformation is reshaping Uganda's future, and how strategic cooperation with China is helping introduce practical technologies, strengthen local capacities and unlock greater value from the land.

Nigeria is one of the Guest Countries of Honor at the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held in Changsha, Hunan Province. In an exclusive interview, Joseph Tegbe, Director General of the newly established Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership, shares his insights on the evolving economic relationship between Nigeria and China.

As the world marks World Environment Day on June 5, this year's theme "Beat Plastic Pollution" highlights the urgent global need to address the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste. China and Africa are among the regions grappling with the widespread effects of plastic pollution. We speak with Ma Jun and Ali-Said Matano to explore the challenges, national efforts, and opportunities for China-Africa cooperation in the mission to combat plastic pollution.

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.