Africa Wins Big as China Expands Investment, Culture and Trade Partnerships

The 2025 Forum on China–Africa Economic, Trade and Cultural Cooperation, held in Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, has delivered one of the most significant boosts to China–Africa relations this year, with 33 cooperation projects signed worth 40.11 billion yuan (about US$5.6 billion).

More than 400 delegates from 38 African countries attended the forum on 7–8 November, demonstrating Africa’s growing appetite for deeper economic and cultural engagement with China. The agreements span a wide range of sectors, including trade, overseas warehouses, manufacturing, engineering contracting, cultural exchange, tourism development, and logistics innovation.

A Major Win for Africa’s Trade Ambitions

Jinhua’s importance is growing rapidly. The city has become one of China’s most dynamic hubs for Africa-bound goods. Between January and September this year, Jinhua’s exports to Africa rose 27.5% year-on-year, reaching 111.49 billion yuan, accounting for nearly 10% of China’s total exports to the continent.

That momentum is now being reinforced through new agreements that improve trade logistics, especially the construction of overseas warehouses, which will help African businesses cut import costs, speed up delivery times, and integrate into global supply chains more competitively.

The projects also include support for African SMEs, manufacturing collaborations, and training programmes aimed at strengthening skills and knowledge transfer.

Cultural Cooperation Gains New Energy

Beyond economic ties, the forum placed strong emphasis on cultural exchanges, people-to-people partnerships, and tourism development. African performers, artisans, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs took part in various cultural events, highlighting a shared commitment to deeper social and cultural understanding.

This is also aligned with China’s expanded support under wider platforms such as FOCAC, the Belt and Road Initiative, and the Global Development Initiative, all of which emphasise inclusive growth, digital integration, and greener development.

A Boost for South Africa’s International Strategy

For South Africa, these developments are especially important. Gauteng and Johannesburg-based businesses have been increasingly engaging Chinese partners in logistics, e-commerce, and cultural diplomacy. The new partnerships offer opportunities for:

• Expanded market access for agricultural and manufactured products
• Skills development through joint industrial and technical training
• Tourism and cultural exchanges, boosting people-to-people links
• Investment opportunities for municipalities and districts

These projects align closely with South Africa’s ongoing drive to attract foreign investment, create jobs, and deepen South-South cooperation.

Why It Matters

The Jinhua forum signals a clear shift toward more diverse, balanced, and sustainable China–Africa relations, moving beyond raw material trade to industrialisation, cultural partnership, and shared economic growth.

If fully implemented, the 33 cooperation projects could become a blueprint for future China–Africa collaboration grounded in fairness, long-term development, and mutual respect.