Changsha (TDI): The 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) opened Thursday in Changsha, central China, with an unprecedented turnout of over 30,000 delegates, signaling a new chapter in China-Africa cooperation.
Representatives from 53 African nations, 11 international organizations, and 27 Chinese provinces gathered under the theme “China and Africa: Together Toward Modernization.”
The event runs through June 15 and builds on commitments made during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, according to Xinhua.
Held biennially, the expo showcases how the two regions are pushing beyond traditional commodity trade to focus on long-term development goals, from agriculture and clean energy to digital technology and tourism.
Over 800 African products are being presented at this year’s expo, including Kenyan black tea, Madagascan lamb, and Congolese art.
Covering 100 hectares, the initiative spans the entire value chain, from seedling production to export.
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In just one season, the project yielded 200 tonnes of dried chili exported to China. “The Chinese market brings more than demand, it brings predictability and partnership,” said Dieudonne Twahirwa, managing director of Gashora Farm.
“This cooperation is changing not only our business, but also the livelihood of local farmers.”
From dried Kenyan anchovies to rubber exports from Côte d’Ivoire, the scope of trade continues to diversify. More importantly, China-backed infrastructure and industrial zones like Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone and Egypt’s China-TEDA Suez Economic Zone are helping African nations shift focus from raw materials to value-added production.
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“This evolution from traditional trade to industrial cooperation is significant,” said Professor Humphrey Moshi, director of the Center for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam.
“Africa’s development strategy now emphasizes creating value at home, and China is playing a key role in enabling that transition.”
Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture, Mabouba Diagne, echoed that sentiment.
“It’s not just about selling crops. It’s about transforming our agriculture sector,” he said. “China’s support through platforms like CAETE helps create sustainable, mutually beneficial growth.”
