Nairobi, Kenya — The Hong Ting Forum, a key event focused on China-Africa relations, was held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi. This high-level gathering brought together government officials, scholars, and media practitioners to explore ways to advance modernization in Africa through strengthened cooperation with China over the next five years.
The forum, organized by the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Xinhua News Agency, centered on the theme: “Opportunities and Challenges for China and Africa to Advance Modernization Together over the Next Five Years.” It served as a platform for dialogue and collaboration, with speakers addressing both the potential and obstacles facing China and Africa as they work toward shared development goals.
Key Highlights and Insights from the Forum:
1. Strengthening Sino-African Ties
Qing Xuemin, the director of the Sixth Research Department of the Institute of Party History and Literature, underscored the importance of deepening Sino-African relations based on mutual trust and respect. He emphasized that China’s engagement with Africa is aimed at building an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future,” where both regions can share in the benefits of development. He pointed out that China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with substantial investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and digital technologies across the continent.
A key initiative discussed at the forum was China’s provision of zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. This initiative, along with China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), is expected to further enhance trade and foster modernization in critical sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure development in Africa.
2. Inspiration from China’s Modernization Journey
Peter Kagwanja, CEO of the Africa Policy Institute, highlighted how China’s remarkable success in poverty alleviation and grassroots governance has inspired many Global South countries, including those in Africa. He pointed out that African nations are now seeking to follow China’s example by developing homegrown modernization pathways tailored to their unique cultural, economic, and historical contexts. According to Kagwanja, the goal is to transform traditional, rural, and agrarian societies into more urbanized, industrialized ones.
3. The Role of Skills, Technology, and Green Development
Hassan Khannenje, director of the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies, emphasized that the future of China-Africa relations would be shaped by a focus on “software” aspects such as skills and technology transfer, cultural exchanges, and green development initiatives. He explained that while deepening economic ties remains essential, the next phase of modernization should also prioritize sustainable development and the sharing of knowledge in areas such as renewable energy and green technology.
Khannenje further elaborated that the coming five years represent an opportunity not just to reinforce economic ties between China and Africa, but to foster a “modernization relationship” that could reshape the global economy, positioning the two regions as key drivers of innovation and growth in the 21st century.
Looking Ahead: A Partnership for the Future
The discussions at the Hong Ting Forum reflect growing optimism about the potential of China-Africa collaboration to advance shared goals of modernization and development. With the next five years crucial for both regions, experts agree that it is important to build on existing successes while addressing the challenges that remain, including governance issues, sustainable development, and the need for inclusive growth that benefits all sectors of society.
In addition to the strategic talks, the forum also highlighted opportunities for greater cultural exchanges and closer people-to-people ties, fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between China and African nations.
As both regions continue to navigate the complexities of modernization, the Hong Ting Forum provided an important platform for defining the path forward, with hopes that the partnership will continue to yield positive outcomes for both China and Africa.
