Event Convenes in Ethiopian Capital
The China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Day took place on Friday, September 27, 2025, at the African Union (AU) headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event served as a platform to highlight the deepening collaboration between China and African nations in the fields of science, technology, and innovation. Organized jointly by the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, the African Union, and the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, the day brought together a diverse group of participants.
Under the theme 'New Opportunities for Innovation Cooperation: Joining Hands to Realize Modernization,' the gathering attracted over 200 guests, including senior Chinese and African government officials, representatives from the AU, and delegates from various international and regional organizations.
Leaders Emphasize Transformative Partnership
Key figures addressed the assembly, underscoring the strategic importance of this partnership. Yin Hejun, the Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, stated that China and Africa have embarked on a new stage of jointly building an 'all-weather community with a shared future for the new era,' which guides broader cooperation.
Ethiopia's Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, described the collaboration as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation, 'reshaping futures and redefining global development narratives.' Molla further emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and cybersecurity to ensure its population benefits from the digital revolution.
Gaspard Banyankimbona, AU Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation, stressed that science and technology are 'essential drivers of resilience, inclusive growth, and dignity.' He highlighted Africa's potential to accelerate its transformation by adapting Chinese solutions in areas including:
- Agriculture
- Digital infrastructure
- Water management
Banyankimbona also noted that 'innovation cooperation is at the center of science diplomacy. It fosters political trust, strengthens economies, and enhances solidarity between Africa and China.'
Showcasing Achievements and Future Directions
The event showcased tangible achievements and outlined future directions for cooperation. Discussions focused on strengthening the alignment of innovation strategies, expanding people-to-people exchanges, and establishing pragmatic cooperation mechanisms. Specific areas of interest included space information technology and artificial intelligence.
The cooperation is framed within the dual frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). China has already signed intergovernmental Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) agreements with over 10 African countries and implemented the Belt and Road Action Plan on STI development. These initiatives have facilitated people-to-people exchanges, training thousands of technical and management personnel.
The gathering also served as a precursor to the upcoming China-Africa Innovation Forum in Wuhan, reflecting a continuous commitment to fostering innovation-driven development across the continent.
5 Comments
Africa
Amazing to see such strong collaboration! Africa needs this tech boost.
Habibi
Finally, real South-South cooperation. This will reshape global development.
Coccinella
The 'shared future' sounds a lot like one-sided dependency to me.
Comandante
While the technological advancements offered by China are significant for Africa's development, it's crucial to ensure these partnerships are truly equitable and sustainable in the long run.
Bella Ciao
The idea of a 'shared future' and South-South cooperation is appealing for developing nations. However, African leaders need to negotiate fiercely to protect their sovereignty and ensure technology transfer genuinely benefits local populations, not just Chinese interests.