The economic and trade partnership between China and Africa continues to expand robustly, with the bilateral trade volume rising by 6% year-on-year in 2024 to reach an estimated US$295 billion, according to top-level representatives from both the Chinese Mission to the African Union and the African Union Commission. This enduring economic engagement reinforces China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner for the fifteenth consecutive year.
Speaking at a recent policy briefing in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Hu Changchun, Head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, emphasised the multifaceted growth of China-Africa economic ties. The event, co-hosted by the Chinese Mission and the African Union Staff Association, was convened to foster a deeper mutual understanding and explore new opportunities for shared economic development between the two regions.
Hu reported that nearly half of African countries experienced double-digit growth in trade volumes with China over the past year, reflecting the dynamic nature of Sino-African economic exchanges. This surge has been largely facilitated by progressive trade policies, underpinned by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework and the expansive Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which has continued to encourage Chinese enterprises to increase their investments and operational presence in African markets.
According to Hu, the inflow of Chinese businesses has contributed significantly to Africa’s socio-economic transformation, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure development, manufacturing, renewable energy, and digital technologies. The integration of these industries into the broader China-Africa economic agenda reflects a concerted effort to build sustainable and inclusive growth frameworks that benefit both partners.
A key highlight of China’s trade policy towards Africa has been its zero-tariff treatment extended to all least-developed countries. Currently, 33 African nations benefit from this policy, further enhancing their access to the vast Chinese market. The removal of tariffs on a wide range of goods has not only reduced trade barriers but also empowered African exporters to become more competitive globally.
Hu also underscored China’s evolving economic philosophy, which now places a strong emphasis on institutional openness and the equitable sharing of development opportunities. “The tangible results we witness today clearly reflect China’s unwavering commitment to building a more balanced global economic system with Africa and the wider Global South,” he said.
This sentiment was echoed by Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Chief of Staff of the African Union Commission, who noted China’s historical role in Africa’s post-independence development. Recalling decades of solidarity that date back to the 1960s and 1970s, Souef commended Beijing’s consistent and strategic support in areas such as health care, security, and infrastructure, as well as the provision of military and technical training for African personnel.
According to Souef, these contributions have been instrumental in advancing the African Union’s long-term development aspirations, as articulated in frameworks such as Agenda 2063. “China’s involvement is not merely transactional,” he noted. “It has been a developmental partner committed to helping African nations build resilient and independent systems.”
Another crucial area highlighted during the briefing was China’s trade and investment promotion strategy through high-level international trade fairs. Events such as the China International Import Expo and the Canton Fair were cited as platforms that have significantly contributed to Africa’s growing trade with China by linking exporters and investors from both regions. These trade expos also offer African businesses exposure to the global market and an opportunity to showcase indigenous products to Chinese consumers.
The comprehensive and strategic nature of China-Africa cooperation continues to evolve, reflecting a shift from traditional resource-based trade to broader and more diversified engagements. This transformation mirrors global trade dynamics, in which developing economies are seeking to deepen their integration into complex global supply chains through infrastructure, digitisation, and sustainable development.
Despite concerns voiced in some international quarters over the debt implications of large-scale infrastructure projects associated with China’s BRI, multiple African leaders and policy analysts argue that the benefits—such as improved connectivity, energy access, and industrialisation—substantially outweigh the risks when managed responsibly. In this regard, transparent governance and accountable implementation remain key.
As the economic relationship between China and Africa moves into a new phase, both sides appear committed to refining the partnership based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and shared strategic interests. With Africa positioning itself as a central actor in the 21st century global economy, China’s continued support in building the continent’s infrastructure and industrial base is likely to remain a pillar of future cooperation.
In closing remarks at the Addis Ababa briefing, both Chinese and African officials reaffirmed the need to sustain dialogue, expand cooperation into emerging sectors, and jointly respond to global challenges such as climate change, technology governance, and inclusive development. Such ongoing collaboration, they contend, will ensure that the China-Africa partnership evolves into a resilient and adaptable model of South-South cooperation.
