Beijing, China – Chinese President Xi Jinping has reaffirmed China’s commitment to bolstering economic cooperation with Africa under the proposed China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. In a letter addressed to the ministers of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), President Xi stated that a new framework of support would be unlocked once African leaders negotiate and sign the agreement.
“China will also provide more convenience for the least developed countries in Africa to export to China,” said President Xi, signaling a new phase in trade relations between China and the African continent.
He emphasized that despite the current global turbulence, China remains a stable force, offering new opportunities through its modernization achievements and large consumer market. These benefits, he said, would extend especially to Global South partners like Africa.
President Xi highlighted areas of focus for the new partnership, which include deepening the implementation of ten key actions for modernization and enhancing cooperation in pivotal areas such as green industry, e-commerce, e-payment systems, science and technology, artificial intelligence, security, finance, and the rule of law.
Mudavadi: FOCAC Has Transformed Africa
Speaking at the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC, Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, applauded FOCAC’s transformative impact across Africa.
“FOCAC programmes and projects have significantly transformed Africa,” said Mudavadi. “They have facilitated trade and investment promotion, people-to-people exchanges, and cultural interactions between China and Africa over the past 25 years.”
He reiterated Kenya’s strong support for FOCAC, describing it as a critical framework that aligns with Africa’s development goals, including Agenda 2063. Mudavadi praised China-Africa cooperation for being “people-centered and mutually beneficial,” citing infrastructure development, particularly railways and intra-country roads, as central to regional integration and connectivity.
Growing Kenya-China Relations
Kenyan Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, also spoke on the flourishing Kenya-China relationship, highlighting increased investor interest following President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April 2025.
“Over 20 Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed during the visit, and since then, we’ve witnessed a surge in Chinese investors keen on entering the Kenyan market,” said Bett.
He noted the growing diplomatic and commercial engagement, citing the increase in flight frequencies between China and Kenya. “Kenya Airways now operates daily flights to Guangzhou, and China Southern has expanded to three weekly flights from Changsha to Nairobi. Talks are ongoing to launch direct flights between Beijing and Nairobi.”
Bett emphasized that the uptick in air travel reflects the intensifying business ties and frequent exchanges between the two nations.
The Road Ahead
With FOCAC approaching its 25th anniversary, African leaders are optimistic about the future of the partnership. According to Mudavadi, FOCAC will continue to drive forward shared goals such as sustainable development, legislative collaboration, and peace and security initiatives.
“FOCAC remains relevant and instrumental in bringing our peoples closer, advancing investment, and making tangible progress in Africa-China relations,” he said.
As the global order continues to evolve, both Chinese and African leaders appear poised to deepen cooperation, anchored on mutual respect and development.
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