Changsha City has transformed into a vibrant hub of African culture this week as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo showcases more than 800 authentic products from across the continent. From Namibian chili sauce to Kenyan malachite jewelry, the event offers businesses and visitors alike a tangible connection to Africa's rich cultural and commercial offerings.
CGTN correspondents Dai Kaiyi and Huang Fei are leading virtual tours of specialty pavilions, revealing how South African wines compete with global brands and how Congolese artwork finds new audiences through cross-continental partnerships. 'This isn't just about commerce – it's about creating lasting people-to-people bonds,' Dai noted while examining Ethiopian coffee bean shipments destined for Chinese cafes.
Economic Opportunities Take Center Stage
With bilateral trade between China and Africa reaching $282 billion in 2023, the expo serves as a critical platform for small and medium enterprises. Tanzanian cashew producers and Zambian honey farmers report tripling orders through last year's event, with this year's participants anticipating similar growth.
Cultural Bridges Through Commerce
Beyond trade figures, the event features live demonstrations of Nigerian textile dyeing and Malagasy vanilla processing. 'These interactions help Chinese consumers appreciate the craftsmanship behind every product,' Huang explained during a segment on Ghanaian shea butter cosmetics.
Analysts highlight the expo's role in advancing China's Belt and Road Initiative while supporting African industrialization goals. The next three days will see business matching sessions focused on sustainable agriculture and renewable energy technologies.
