Record Deals Signed as Fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo Concludes in Changsha

The fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo concluded on Sunday (15 June 2025) with major achievements, as both regions deepened their economic cooperation. Held in Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan Province, the four-day event attracted record attendance and saw deals signed worth billions of dollars.

According to the event’s organizing committee, 176 projects worth 11.39 billion US dollars were signed during the expo. This represents a significant increase of 45.8 percent in the number of projects and 10.6 percent in total value compared to the 2023 edition.

More than 200,000 people visited the main exhibition venue in Changsha, doubling the turnout from the previous session. Deals finalized or tentatively agreed upon at the main site were estimated at 2.5 billion yuan, or approximately 348 million US dollars. In a parallel expo focused on heavy machinery held in Xiangtan, tentative deals worth 200 million yuan were also signed.

For the first time, the expo featured dedicated exhibitions showcasing well-known China-Africa cooperation brands, high-quality African goods, and the growing China-Africa fashion industry. These new additions reflect the expanding areas of interest between the two regions.

Nearly 2,100 companies participated in the event, including 764 businesses from 43 African countries. There were also 12,000 Chinese and international buyers present, all contributing to the active trade environment.

African agricultural products received strong attention, with over 200 varieties sold both online and in supermarkets across China. Fourteen African nations also hosted their own trade and investment promotion activities during the expo.

The event was co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the provincial government of Hunan. It brought together more than 4,700 companies and 30,000 participants, who attended various exhibitions, forums, and networking sessions throughout the four days.

China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years as of 2024, and the pace of bilateral trade continues to grow in 2025. This year’s expo highlighted the importance of continued collaboration, not only in trade but also in broader economic development goals such as industrialization, infrastructure, and technology.

The success of the 2025 expo confirms its role as a vital platform for fostering long-term partnerships and boosting economic growth on both sides. It also signals China’s ongoing commitment to supporting Africa’s development through trade, investment, and mutual cooperation.