Xi Jinping Pledges Stronger Infrastructure and Trade Partnerships With Africa

Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to deepen cooperation with African nations in infrastructure, trade, and other sectors during Beijing’s largest summit in recent years. Speaking at the China-Africa Forum in the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Xi addressed more than 50 African leaders and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing the strong ties between China and Africa.

Xi described the current relationship between China and Africa as being in its “best period in history” and reaffirmed China’s commitment to furthering collaboration in key areas such as industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment. As the world’s second-largest economy, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, with interests in the continent’s vast reserves of natural resources, including copper, gold, lithium, and rare earth minerals.

The forum has already resulted in numerous pledges for enhanced cooperation across various sectors, including infrastructure, mining, agriculture, and energy. While China has provided billions in loans to African countries to support infrastructure development, concerns have emerged about the growing debt burden on some governments. However, many African nations continue to welcome Chinese investments, particularly in large-scale projects aimed at boosting economic growth.

During bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the summit, several African leaders secured new agreements with China. Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema announced a deal between ZESCO, Zambia’s state-owned power company, and Beijing’s PowerChina to expand the use of rooftop solar panels in Zambia.

Nigeria, one of China’s largest debtors in Africa, signed a joint statement with Beijing to deepen cooperation in infrastructure projects, particularly in transportation, ports, and free trade zones. Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan also obtained a commitment from Xi to advance the long-stalled railway project connecting Tanzania to Zambia, with China pledging $1 billion to help complete the expansion.

Zimbabwe reached agreements with China to boost cooperation in agriculture, mining, and energy sectors, while also securing a deal to export fresh avocados to Chinese markets. Kenyan President William Ruto, on his part, obtained a pledge from Xi to open up China’s markets to Kenyan agricultural products. Ruto also discussed expanding Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway and other infrastructure projects, with Chinese funding, including the $1.2 billion Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba motorway.

China’s influence in Africa continues to grow through investments and trade, but analysts suggest that its policies are also being shaped by domestic economic challenges and increasing geopolitical competition, particularly with the United States. Nonetheless, the outcomes of the forum demonstrate that Africa remains a critical partner for China in its global strategy.