Category: Opinion
Opinions
2026: A New Era of China–Africa People-to-People Solidarity
By Gerald Mbanda The coming year 2026 has been designated as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, marking an important moment in the long history of cooperation between the two sides. For decades, China and African nations have developed ties through trade, infrastructure, education, medical cooperation, and cultural interaction. The 2026 initiative places a special emphasis on strengthening the…
Japanese Prime Minister faces backlash over war remarks against China
By Gerald Mbanda Japan has been shaken by an intensifying political and diplomatic storm after the first female Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made remarks about China and Taiwan that were condemned both at home and in Beijing. What began as a routine parliamentary exchange quickly spiraled into a full-scale controversy, deepening tensions between the two…
What Africa gains by hosting the G 20 Summit — and Xi Jinping Promise for the Global South
By staff writer The G20 Summit will for the first time take place on the African continent specifically in South Africa in late November. This marks a pivotal moment in global governance and international diplomacy. Bringing the world’s major economies to African soil represents a deliberate shift in global power dynamics, giving Africa and the broader Global…
China hosts the 2025 World Internet Conference in Wuzhen. Actionable insights for Africa
Gerald Mbanda The 2025 World Internet Conference (WIC), held from November 7-9 in Wuzhen, China, was not just inspiration for Africa but actionable insight: digital transformation is accelerating, AI is no longer experimental, infrastructure and governance are essential, and inclusive cooperation is the future. For African nations willing to seize this moment, the path to a smarter, more connected, and more inclusive digital economy…
Africa reaped unlimited trade opportunitiesat the eighth CIIE in Shanghai
By Gerald Mbanda Visitors try coffee at the pavilion of Ethiopia during the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in east China’s Shanghai, Nov. 7, 2025. (Xinhua/Meng Chenguang) The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), held in Shanghai from 5–10 November 2025, marked a landmark moment in global trade, especially for African producers seeking direct access…
China’s Green Energy extends to Africa: A Partnership for a Sustainable Future
By Gerald Mbanda China’s journey toward green energy has not only transformed its domestic economy but is also reshaping its global partnerships — particularly with Africa. Over the past decade, China has emerged as a key partner in helping African countries transition toward cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy. Through investments, technology transfer, and infrastructure…
The 8th CIIE in Shanghai: An opportunity for African countries to export to the vast China market.
By Gerald Mbanda Rebeca Grynspan, Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, delivers a speech via video at the opening ceremony of the eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) and the Hongqiao International Economic Forum in Shanghai, east China, Nov. 5, 2025. The eighth CIIE and Hongqiao International Economic Forum opened in…
Why the US and China Trade Truce Matters for Africa
By Staff writer This week, The United States and China, the world’s two largest economies announced they had reached a “basic consensus” in trade talks, covering export controls, tariffs on Chinese shipping, agriculture, and other issues. While the agreement raises hopes of de-escalation in the longstanding trade war, it also prompts critical questions: what does this mean for Africa, and…
China’s New K Visa: Advancing Shared Development and the Global Development Initiative
By Staff writer In a significant move reflecting its commitment to international cooperation and shared development, China has introduced the new K visa, aimed at attracting high-level science and technology talent from around the world. This policy not only reaffirms China’s openness to global collaboration but also serves as a practical step toward realizing its…
China’s 76 Years of Progress: Reflecting on the Path to Modernization
By Gerald Mbanda As China marks the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic, President Xi Jinping’sNational Day message has called on the Chinese people to continue advancing the country’s modernization. The appeal resonates deeply at a time when China stands at a critical juncture—reflecting on its remarkable achievements while navigating the complexities of…