By Staff writer
They year 2026 marks the 70th Anniversary of China–Africa diplomatic relations, one of the longest-standing and most influential partnerships among developing regions. What began with limited diplomatic recognition between China and a small number of newly independent African states has grown into a comprehensive relationship involving 53 African countries. Over seven decades, cooperation has delivered concrete and measurable outcomes in diplomacy, infrastructure, trade, health, education, peacekeeping, and people-to-people exchange, leaving a visible imprint on Africa’s development landscape.
A foundational achievement of China–Africa relations has been the establishment of deep political trust. By the early 1970s, more than 20 African countries had established diplomatic ties with China. In 1971, 26 African states voted in favor of restoring China’s lawful seat at the United Nations, a decisive contribution to a historic diplomatic shift. Today, all African countries except one recognize China, reflecting sustained political confidence. The creation of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 institutionalized this relationship, with nine ministerial conferences and three summits held to date, generating hundreds of cooperation commitments and implementation plans.
Infrastructure development stands out as one of the most tangible achievements. According to official data, Chinese enterprises have built or upgraded over 100,000 kilometers of roads and more than 10,000 kilometers of railways across Africa. Major projects such as the 756-kilometer Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway and the 472-kilometer Mombasa–Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway have reduced travel times by more than 50 percent and significantly lowered logistics costs. In the energy sector, Chinese-supported projects have added over 120 gigawatts of installed power capacity, expanding electricity access for tens of millions of households and businesses.
Economic cooperation has expanded rapidly. China–Africa trade grew from less than USD 1 billion in 1980 to over USD 280 billion by 2023. China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. More than 3,500 Chinese companies now operate in Africa, with over 80 percent being private enterprises. These companies are active in manufacturing, construction, agriculture, telecommunications, and services, collectively employing millions of local workers. Industrial parks and economic cooperation zones in countries such as Ethiopia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Zambia have helped stimulate local manufacturing and export capacity.
Health cooperation has delivered long-term benefits. Since 1963, China has sent more than 25,000 medical professionals to Africa, providing treatment to an estimated 230 million patients. China has helped build or upgrade over 130 medical facilities, including hospitals and disease control centers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, China supplied African countries with more than 2 billion doses of vaccines, along with protective equipment and medical teams, contributing significantly to vaccination coverage and pandemic response capacity.
Education and human resource development have also been central. Over the past 70 years, China has offered more than 200,000 training opportunities and scholarships to African students and professionals. By 2024, more than 80,000 African students were studying in China annually, making Africa one of the largest sources of international students in Chinese universities. Vocational training centers supported by China have trained thousands of technicians in fields such as agriculture, engineering, information technology, and renewable energy, directly supporting Africa’s skills base.
China’s contribution to peace and security has increased steadily. China is now the largest contributor of peacekeeping troops among the permanent members of the UN Security Council, with over 80 percent of its peacekeepers deployed in Africa. Since 1990, more than 50,000 Chinese peacekeepers have participated in UN missions across the continent, supporting stability in conflict-affected regions while also engaging in humanitarian assistance and infrastructure repair.
People-to-people exchanges have further strengthened the relationship. Over 60 Confucius Institutes and classrooms operate in Africa, supporting language learning and cultural exchange. Sister-city relationships between China and Africa exceed 150 pairs, while tourism, media cooperation, and youth exchanges continue to expand mutual understanding at the societal level.
After 70 years, China–Africa diplomatic relations have moved far beyond symbolic solidarity. Through measurable investments, expanded trade, improved infrastructure, strengthened health systems, and growing human capital, the partnership has delivered practical outcomes that affect daily life across the continent. While challenges remain, the record of achievements demonstrates that China–Africa cooperation has become a defining example of sustained South–South collaboration in the modern era.
