As nations worldwide prepare to mark Africa Day on May 25, 2025, Ambassador Rahmat Allah Mohamed Osman, the African Union's Permanent Representative to China, offers fresh insights into the evolving partnership between the continent and its long-standing Asian ally. In an exclusive interview with KhabarAsia, the diplomat reveals how historical solidarity has transformed into modern strategic collaboration.
From Liberation Allies to Development Partners
Ambassador Osman traced China-Africa relations to the 1970s Tanzania-Zambia Railway project – a symbol of solidarity when China funded infrastructure despite its own economic challenges. "This wasn't just steel tracks," he emphasized. "It laid the foundation for South-South cooperation as we know it today."
Blueprints in Sync: Agenda 2063 Meets Belt and Road
The alignment between Africa's 50-year development plan and China's global infrastructure initiative has accelerated since both launched in 2013. Over 30 African countries have signed Belt and Road agreements, with joint projects spanning digital networks, industrial parks, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Multilateralism in Action
With the African Union coordinating continental positions, China has become the largest financier of cross-border infrastructure. Recent collaborations include:
A $1.2 billion East Africa digital corridor
Joint vaccine production facilities in 3 AU member states
Renewable energy investments covering 12 nations
Lessons Beyond Economics
Ambassador Osman highlighted unexpected areas of exchange: "China's targeted poverty reduction strategies and e-governance models offer adaptable frameworks. Our youth exchange programs now see 5,000 African students annually studying AI and green tech in China."
As geopolitical shifts reshape global alliances, the ambassador's message rings clear: "When Africa and China speak with one voice on climate action or trade equity, the world listens. Our partnership isn't just growing – it's maturing into a new model of mutual respect."
