This year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.

To commemorate the milestone, CGTN Africa's Talk Africa brought together scholars and experts from China and Africa to reflect on the evolution of the relationship and discuss its future trajectory amid a changing global landscape.

A friendship rooted in shared struggle

In 1956, Egypt became the first African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, opening a new chapter in China-Africa relations.

As waves of anti-colonial and independence movements swept across Africa in the 1950s and 1960s, more African nations established diplomatic ties with China. In 1959, the Republic of Guinea became the first sub-Saharan African country to do so, marking an important step in the expansion of China-Africa engagement.

Reflecting on the foundations of the relationship, Aly El-Hefny, former Egyptian Deputy Foreign Minister and Ambassador to China, noted that both China and many African countries had undergone long struggles for national independence and sovereignty, experiences that laid an important foundation for mutual understanding and cooperation.

He added that these common historical experiences helped shape a shared commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law.

Professor Patrick Maluki, Chairperson of the Diplomacy Scholars Association of Kenya, said the parallel development journeys of China and Africa offer an important lesson: development is attainable.

He pointed to China's transformation and success in lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty as a source of inspiration for many African countries pursuing their own development paths.

A key moment in China-Africa relations came in 1971, when African countries played an important role in supporting the restoration of the People's Republic of China's lawful seat in the United Nations.

According to Professor Ran Jijun, Director of the African Studies Center at the China Foreign Affairs University, this episode reflected the mutual support that had already taken shape between China and African countries and further strengthened the foundation of the relationship.

From infrastructure to zero-tariff

Since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, China-Africa cooperation has expanded significantly.

Infrastructure development has become one of the most visible areas of collaboration. By 2025, China had helped Africa build and upgrade 100,000 kilometers of roads, more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 1,000 bridges, and close to 100 ports, contributing to regional connectivity and economic growth across the continent.

According to James Shikwati, Director of the Inter-Region Economic Network, these investments have helped support economic activity, improve connectivity, and create new opportunities for industrial development. He noted that infrastructure projects, business parks, and special economic zones have played an important role in expanding trade and strengthening local productive capacity.

Shikwati also pointed to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as an important platform for cooperation, saying it has helped mobilize investment in infrastructure and highlighted Africa's long-term development potential.

On May 1 this year, China granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines to 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

According to Shikwati, the policy could create new opportunities for African exporters and encourage businesses to move further up the value chain. As access to the Chinese market expands, African countries are expected to strengthen local manufacturing, improve product standards, and enhance the competitiveness of their exports.

He added that efforts to align export standards across African countries could also support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Over time, closer integration between African markets and the Chinese market could contribute to job creation, industrial development and deeper economic ties between the two sides.

Resilience through cooperation

Amid rising geopolitical tensions, growing protectionism, and increasing uncertainty in the global economy, China and Africa have continued to deepen political trust and strategic coordination. At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the relationship was elevated to an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era," underscoring both sides' commitment to long-term cooperation and mutual support.

Professor Ran said the "all-weather" nature of the relationship reflects its resilience in the face of external challenges. “On the contrary,” he noted, “these challenges reinforce the need for China and Africa to stand together to safeguard the stability of global industrial and supply chains and resist protectionism.”

Shikwati said the concept also reflects China's consistent engagement with African countries regardless of changes in domestic political leadership. While many African nations undergo political transitions through elections, he argued that China has maintained a steady approach to cooperation over time.

He further contrasted China's engagement with that of some traditional Western powers, arguing that they have often linked cooperation to specific governance or social conditions. China, by contrast, has generally focused on areas of mutual interest and development priorities identified by African countries themselves. According to Shikwati, this has helped foster a partnership that many African stakeholders view as pragmatic and forward-looking.

Building a community of shared future

As China and Africa mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, scholars and analysts say the partnership is entering a new phase — one that extends beyond infrastructure and trade to include innovation, modernization, and a stronger voice for developing countries in global governance.

For Ambassador Aly El-Hefny, the next stage of cooperation should place greater emphasis on local economic development. He called for increased investment, business activity, and joint ventures that can help build sustainable industries across Africa and create long-term growth opportunities.

Professor Patrick Maluki highlighted the complementary strengths of China and Africa, arguing that the partnership is well-positioned to expand cooperation in areas ranging from technology and education to industrial development. El-Hefny, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of a more equitable international system, one in which developing countries have a greater voice and participation in global affairs.

Looking ahead, Professor Ran Jijun said China-Africa cooperation is likely to evolve from a focus on physical infrastructure toward greater collaboration in innovation and knowledge creation. He argued that the next phase of the relationship should prioritize joint research, technology development, and talent cultivation, particularly in areas such as agricultural science, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.

James Shikwati pointed to global economic governance as another area where closer China-Africa cooperation could make a difference. He called for greater African participation in international financial decision-making, reforms to the global trading system, and a reassessment of credit rating practices that, in his view, often underestimate Africa's economic potential.

Beyond economics and technology, Maluki stressed the importance of strengthening people-to-people ties. Greater exchanges in education, culture, and tourism, he said, will be essential to fostering mutual understanding and ensuring that China-Africa cooperation continues to enjoy strong public support in the decades ahead.