Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need to amplify practical achievements in China-Africa cooperation during a high-profile event in Hunan Province, spotlighting agricultural innovation as a cornerstone of shared progress. Speaking at a reception marking the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Wang highlighted Gambian farmer Musa Darboe’s transformative journey using hybrid rice technology pioneered by late Chinese scientist Yuan Longping.
Darboe, who traveled from the Gambia with a symbolic bag of rice grown using Yuan’s methods, recounted how yields on his farm tripled with support from Chinese experts. 'We’ve moved from scarcity to surplus,' he told attendees, underscoring his commitment to sharing these techniques across Africa.
Wang stressed that China’s collaboration with African nations prioritizes 'lifting livelihoods through tangible results,' citing agriculture, infrastructure, and skills transfer as key focus areas. The event took place in Yuan’s home province of Hunan, where his legacy continues to shape global food security efforts.
Analysts view such exchanges as critical to deepening South-South cooperation, particularly as African nations seek sustainable development models. With FOCAC set to outline new joint initiatives later this year, Wang’s address signals Beijing’s intent to frame China-Africa ties as mutually empowering partnerships.
