In the face of mounting global economic uncertainties, China's steadfast commitment to openness and its deepening partnership with Africa are proving to be critical drivers for the continent's development and resilience. This was the central message delivered this week by a senior United Nations official during a high-level event at the African Union headquarters.
Melaku Geboye, coordinator of the African Trade Policy Center at the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), highlighted the "impressive resilience" of Sino-African ties during a promotion symposium for the upcoming China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum. He addressed an era where the global economic order faces significant strain, with old certainties being questioned and established relations re-examined.
"The system of global economic governance that has been with us for about eight decades is coming under significant strain," Geboye noted. In this context, he emphasized that China's continued openness is both "timely and significant" for Africa, providing a stable pillar amid global turbulence.
The economic data underscores the strength of this relationship. According to recent Chinese customs statistics, bilateral trade reached a record high of $348 billion in 2025, marking a robust 17.7% increase year-on-year. China's imports from Africa also grew, reaching $123 billion. This momentum is further bolstered by China's decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with it—a policy Geboye described as an "important pillar" of cooperation.
This partnership aligns with Africa's own ambitious development agenda. Geboye underscored the continent's ongoing efforts to build resilience through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market of over 1.4 billion people. He stressed that the role of trusted partners like China remains critical in supporting this integration, industrialization, and export diversification.
Looking ahead, the official pointed to major international platforms like the CIIE and the HQF as vital venues for translating dialogue into tangible development outcomes for Africa. The enduring China-Africa partnership, built on promises of mutual benefit, continues to offer a pathway to shared prosperity in an increasingly complex global landscape.
