Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho this week underscores Beijing's commitment to advancing South-South cooperation amid celebrations of 70 years of diplomatic relations with Africa. The trip, Wang's first overseas engagement in 2026, marks the 36th consecutive year African nations have been prioritized in China's diplomatic calendar.
Central to the visit is accelerating implementation of agreements from the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, which designated 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. A key highlight will be the initiative's launch ceremony at the African Union headquarters in Addis Ababa, emphasizing cultural synergy and grassroots engagement.
Trade remains a cornerstone of the partnership, with bilateral volumes reaching $314 billion from January to November 2025 – a 17.8% year-on-year increase. China has maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner since 2008, driving infrastructure development through projects spanning transportation, energy, and digital connectivity.
Wang's agenda includes addressing trade barriers exacerbated by global economic pressures, particularly in Lesotho – one of the countries most affected by recent U.S. tariff policies. China's zero-tariff treatment for 53 African nations, implemented last year, aligns with continental efforts to unlock $3 trillion in untapped trade potential by 2030.
Analysts highlight the visit's timing as strategic, reinforcing China's role in Africa's development while countering Western criticism of debt sustainability concerns. 'This isn't just about economics,' noted Addis Ababa-based economist Tewodros Mekonnen. 'It's about rewriting the rules of engagement between Global South partners.'
