China Africa Talk

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.

As China pushes forward with high-quality development and new productive forces, what does this mean for Africa's growth and cooperation with China? Charles Onunaiju and Liu Baocheng unpack the opportunities and implications.

China's Two Sessions, the annual meetings of the country's top legislature and top political advisory body, have been garnering global attention. Journalists from across the globe, including many from Africa, have gathered in Beijing to cover the event and examine the global implications of China's policy agenda. African journalists Fortune Abang and Satyen Bhuruth share their perspectives on the lessons and practices that Africa could adapt from this year's gatherings to support its own development priorities.

Starting May 1, 2026, China will eliminate tariffs on all imports from the 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, a move expected to accelerate industrialization and economic development across the continent. The policy comes as China enters its 15th Five-Year Plan cycle, a period set to emphasize high-quality growth, stronger domestic demand, and a deeper level of opening-up. What impact will this comprehensive zero-tariff arrangement have on African economies and on broader global trade dynamics?

Happy Chinese New Year! The annual celebration of Chinese New Year has evolved into a powerful symbol of the deepening ties between China and Africa. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we explore the symbolic meaning of the horse in both Chinese and African traditions and key themes and milestones lie ahead for China-Africa relations in the new year.

South Africa and China have signed a framework trade and investment deal aimed at expanding bilateral economic ties. The agreement is expected to grant more South African exports duty-free access to the Chinese market and facilitate increased Chinese investment. What does the signing of the deal signal about how China and South Africa are prioritizing the growth of trade and investment ties, especially in the context of the current international economic environment?

Recently, Zimbabwean war veterans wrote to Chinese President Xi Jinping to express their gratitude for China's support during Zimbabwe's liberation struggle. In his January 28 reply, President Xi commended the veterans for dedicating their youth to the cause of national liberation and for forging a profound friendship with the Chinese people along the way. How did China and Zimbabwe work together during the liberation era, and what lasting legacy has that solidarity produced, especially for younger generations?

From drinking warm water and eating congee to wearing slippers indoors, social media users around the world are embracing everyday Chinese lifestyle habits as part of the viral "Becoming Chinese" trend. Seen through an African lens, what is driving the growing appeal of Chinese culture? And how can China and Africa work together to better promote mutual understanding through cultural exchange? Content creators from China and Africa share their perspectives on how these everyday practices are being adopted, reinterpreted, and woven into cross-cultural dialogue.

In an exclusive interview with CGTN Radio, Douglas Mahiya, a Politburo Member and Secretary for War Veterans of Zimbabwe's ruling ZANU PF party, speaks highly of President Xi Jinping's reply to Zimbabwe's national liberation struggle veterans. Mahiya highlights how the letter reaffirms the enduring bond between China and Zimbabwe. He emphasizes that this legacy continues to inspire collaboration today.

As China and Africa enter the 2026 Year of People-to-People Exchanges, greater emphasis is being placed on cultural, educational, youth, and social engagement. With hundreds of activities planned, the move aims to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen the social foundations of China-Africa relations. Erastus Mwencha, former Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, shares how these exchanges align with AU's Agenda 2063.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has continued China's long-standing tradition of beginning the year with a visit to Africa, a practice now in its 36th year. Against a backdrop of growing global uncertainty, the tour highlights China's commitment to deepening strategic trust with African partners and upholding multilateralism. Mapaballo Mile, Lesotho's Ambassador to China and Wang Jinjie, Research Assistant Professor at Peking University's National School of Development shed more light on the broader significance of Wang Yi's visit and the future of this enduring partnership.

Chinese has been formally included in Ghana's national school curriculum. The move comes amid expanding Ghana-China cooperation. As interest in Chinese language learning continues to rise across the continent, what is driving this trend, and what long-term opportunities could it unlock for African students and economies? We speak with Reginald Quartey, Acting Director for Curriculum at Ghana's National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NaCCA).

2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, a milestone in strengthening mutual understanding between the two sides. The year also celebrates the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, highlighting decades of friendship and cooperation. Throughout 2026, a series of programs will showcase achievements, promote exchanges, and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

As the 2025 draws to a close, which key moments and milestones have defined the China- Africa relations? Despite the challenges faced in various sectors, how have the relations evolved and what impact has this had? In this episode, Professors Liu Baocheng, Director of Center of International Business Ethics, University of International Business and Economics, and Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria delve into the key moments and milestones that shaped China-Africa relations in 2025.

As we approach the end of 2025, it's a meaningful moment to pause and reflect on how the China-Africa partnership has evolved over the past year. In this special episode, three young and inspiring guests working on the frontline of China-Africa cooperation join us to share their personal experiences and stories, offering a clearer and more vivid picture of how this important partnership is growing and transforming.

Attending as guest of honor at the 11th Global Tourism Economy Forum held in Harbin, Zimbabwe draws insights from China's culture-driven tourism model. We speak with Stanley Banda, Zimbabwe's Tourism Attaché to China and ASEAN, on key takeaways from the forum and opportunities for deeper China-Africa tourism cooperation

As global environmental challenges intensify and geopolitical tensions strain international cooperation, the mandate of the United Nations Environment Assembly has never been more significant. Meeting from December 8 to 12 in Nairobi, UNEA-7 brings together delegates from around the world to advance sustainable solutions for a resilient planet. Ma Jun and Ali-Said Matano weigh in on why UNEA's role is essential in shaping the future of global environmental governance.

China and Africa are working together to realize the right to development. Professor Liu Hongwu, Director of the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University, explains why development-centered human rights lie at the heart of China-Africa collaboration and how this approach aligns with Africa's own priorities.

Kenya is accelerating its infrastructure development with a major highway expansion, backed by Chinese expertise and financing. The key Mombasa-Nairobi corridor, a vital trade gateway to Uganda and other inland nations, is being transformed from a single-lane road into a modern four-to-six-lane highway. What does it signal about the high-quality Belt and Road cooperation?

The revitalization of the TAZARA railway, a landmark project of China-Africa friendship, has officially begun. Following a high-level groundbreaking ceremony, this modernized "Freedom Railway" is poised to enhance regional connectivity and inject new momentum into the economic development of Tanzania, Zambia, and the broader region.

For the first time in its history, the G20 Leaders' Summit is held on African soil, with South Africa wielding the rotating presidency. This landmark event has placed the continent in the spotlight, prompting a critical question: Is this a fleeting moment of prestige, or can it be leveraged into a genuine turning point for Africa's development?

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.