China Reaffirms Commitment to African Development at AU Policy Briefing
By Eysau Zekarias
China has reiterated its commitment to supporting Africa’s development, highlighting a broad portfolio of economic, technical, and workforce initiatives at a policy briefing convened by the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union (AU) and the AU Staff Association. The event, held at AU headquarters, underscored China’s ongoing role as a major partner in Africa’s infrastructure, health, and skills development landscape.
Chen Hao, Deputy Director General of the Academy for International Economic Cooperation (AIECO), led the briefing with a keynote address detailing China’s approach to implementing and managing development assistance across the continent. He emphasized that China’s engagement is guided by principles of “sincerity, real results, proximity, and good faith,” echoing President Xi Jinping’s stated vision for China-Africa relations.
Citing concrete examples, Chen pointed to the construction of hospitals, agricultural projects to boost food security, and vocational training programs that have created sustainable employment opportunities. He stressed that Chinese-backed projects are managed through rigorous procedures, including a “project management and general contracting” model that spans design, construction, and long-term technical support. Technical assistance projects, he added, focus on targeted knowledge transfer by deploying experts and equipment to address specific local needs.
Highlighting quality and safety, Chen noted that all contractors on Chinese projects undergo strict inspections. He also celebrated the AU Conference Center as one of 32 projects to receive the prestigious Overseas Lu Ban Award, China’s highest honor in the construction sector.
Even amid the COVID-19 pandemic, China’s support continued, with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) headquarters cited as a flagship example of effective delivery. Chen outlined China’s focus on improving livelihoods through water supply, transport infrastructure, education, and healthcare, as well as ongoing efforts in poverty alleviation, food security, and women’s development.
Capacity building remains a central pillar of China’s engagement. Since 2009, more than 140 agrotechnical assistance projects have trained thousands of African experts, introducing advanced agricultural technologies such as juncao and hybrid rice. Workforce development programs, led by the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO), have enabled over 250,000 African participants to benefit from seminars, technical training, and higher education opportunities in China. Training has expanded into emerging sectors like electric vehicles and industrial robotics, and special institutions such as the South-South Institute for Cooperation and Development have awarded master’s and doctoral degrees to more than 300 African students.
During the briefing, Ambassador Hu, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union, addressed concerns regarding international trade dynamics. He opposed the bullying behavior represented by the U.S.’s abuse of tariffs and reaffirmed the importance of upholding international rules and order, emphasizing that equitable cooperation is essential for mutual development.
Both Chinese and AU officials at the briefing reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation, supporting the outcomes of the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit, and enhancing Africa’s capacity for self-driven development.
China’s engagement in Africa forms part of a broader strategy to deepen economic and diplomatic ties, as outlined in the FOCAC Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027). This plan includes programs in industrialization, trade, and security cooperation, and aims to empower Africa as a key player in a multipolar world order. Chinese officials have stressed the importance of policy coordination, people-to-people exchanges, and a shift from heavy infrastructure to investment in energy, manufacturing, and education.
As China’s role in Africa continues to expand, African leaders are increasingly focused on ensuring that these partnerships deliver balanced trade, greater value addition, and local capacity building. While the benefits of Chinese engagement are widely recognized, some analysts caution that African countries must prioritize their own interests and strategic goals as they navigate this evolving relationship.
The AU policy briefing concluded with a shared commitment to building a resilient, mutually beneficial China-Africa partnership—one that leverages technical cooperation, education, and infrastructure to drive sustainable development across the continent.
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