The strategic partnership between China and the African Union (AU) marked a new milestone this week with a joint reception ceremony at the AU Headquarters, celebrating the achievements of a Chinese-sponsored training program for Africa and inaugurating the African Training Program Trainees Association.
The event, attended by nearly 300 representatives from AU institutions, the United Nations system, and African countries, underscored the critical role of the training programs in developing human capital across the continent. Its curriculum is closely aligned with the African Union’s transformative Agenda 2063, which envisions Africa’s emergence as a global powerhouse by mid-century through governance reform, public health improvements, agricultural modernization, and technological innovation.
Ambassador Jiang Feng, Head of the Chinese Mission to the AU, highlighted that the training programs fuse China’s modernization experience with Africa’s development needs. “China-Africa relations are now stronger than ever, evolving into a community for a new era with a shared future,” said Ambassador Feng.
The training initiative aims to equip African professionals with skills and knowledge vital to realizing Agenda 2063’s vision, using China’s expertise, market advantages, and technological advancements. Key sectors emphasized include artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainable rural development.
Moses Vilakati, head of the AU’s Agriculture, Rural Development, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE), praised the tangible benefits of the training program for institutions across Africa. Nouhou Thiam, President of the AU Staff Association, noted over 100 AU staff members completed short-term courses last year, enhancing their capacities to support institutional growth.
A highlight of the event was the official launch of the Chinese-assisted African Training Program Trainees Association. This association is designed as a lasting platform to foster continuous knowledge exchange, collaboration, and networking among the expanding pool of trained African professionals. Ambassador Feng emphasized the association’s role in ensuring acquired skills generate measurable development impacts continent-wide, transcending individual achievements.
This milestone ceremony reinforces the mutual respect and shared international goals underpinning China-Africa cooperation. By empowering Africa’s workforce and nurturing future leaders, the partnership is a cornerstone in advancing the aspirations of Agenda 2063, ultimately aiming for a stronger, healthier, and more cohesive African future.
