China has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing its investment presence in Ethiopia and across Africa, announcing plans to create over 1 million jobs in the region over the next three years. This commitment was made during a recent summit held in Addis Ababa, attended by ambassadors and experts from the African Union Commission and various Chinese and African stakeholders.
The seminar, titled “Building an Inclusive Climate: China-Africa Community Together for a New Era,” underscored the shared vision of fostering a strong and unified China-Africa partnership. Ambassador Hu Changchun, head of China’s mission to the African Union, emphasized that “China-Africa cooperation aims to promote common development and prosperity through trade and investment while sharing governance experiences.”
During the seminar, it was announced that China would offer zero-tariff treatment to 33 African countries, further facilitating trade and investment opportunities. Ambassador Hu highlighted that this strategic partnership would enhance mutual trust and security between China and African nations, focusing on national governance, industrialization, agricultural modernization, peace and security, as well as high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Khalid Budali, presiding officer of the African Union’s Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC), noted that the China-Africa Cooperation Strategic Framework would strengthen ties between Africa and China, supporting the continent’s journey toward sustainable growth and development. He added that this comprehensive cooperation would bolster efforts in agricultural technology transfer, poverty alleviation, rural development, and food security.
The summit served as a platform for discussions on concrete steps to implement the Beijing Declaration, aiming to translate commitments into tangible benefits for both sides. Experts from the Intergovernmental Economic Commission for Africa also participated in the event, highlighting the potential for enhanced collaboration between China and Africa.
