FROM the heart of Africa, we look to China not only as a global power but as a true partner in shaping a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world.
China’s actions, policies and vision expressed in its recent engagements at the United Nations, through domestic reforms and via global initiatives send a clear message: development, fairness and co-operation remain central to its rise.
For Africans, who continue to fight against the remnants of colonialism and neo-imperialism, China’s example is both inspiring and deeply reassuring.
China’s commitment to climate action at the 2025 UN Climate Summit and the Chinese President’s video speech reaffirmed China’s dedication to tackling climate change, a challenge that disproportionately affects developing nations.
For Africa, the impacts of global warming are not abstract — they are droughts that destroy crops, floods that wash away homes and food insecurity that leaves millions hungry.
China’s focus on green development speaks directly to these struggles.
China’s leadership offers hope. Xi Jinping’s emphasis on “green development, harmony between humanity and nature, and shared responsibility” resonates strongly with our continent’s struggles and aspirations.
What stands out is China’s long-term planning.
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By 2035, through its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), China is committing to deeper carbon reduction targets, expanded renewable energy adoption and accelerated innovation in green technologies.
This vision sets a global standard.
Africa, too, seeks clean energy transitions, but lacks resources.
China’s willingness to share technology, invest in renewables and offer South-South co-operation presents a lifeline for our sustainable future.
Consider the many African nations that continue to depend heavily on fossil fuels and biomass for energy.
Without global solidarity, transitioning to cleaner alternatives remains difficult.
Yet with China providing solar panels, wind turbine technology, hydropower expertise and even green financing through the Belt and Road Initiative, we see possibilities opening up.
For instance, projects in Ethiopia and Kenya supported by Chinese companies have already brought solar and wind energy to communities that previously lived in darkness.
China’s commitment to achieving carbon neutrality is not only a national goal; it is an invitation for others, including Africa, to follow a greener path.
According to the UN Environment Programme, China has invested over US$20 billion in Africa’s renewable energy sector since 2015, supporting more than 100 solar and wind projects — these projects have provided electricity to 50 million African people who previously had no access to power, directly reducing Africa’s reliance on fossil fuels by 12% (UNEP, 2024).
China speaks with moral authority when addressing climate change.
During their industrial rise, many Western nations prioritised growth over environmental protection, leaving a legacy of pollution.
Today, some Western countries still shift the burden of climate action to developing nations, rather than providing sufficient support.
In contrast, China has consistently emphasised that climate responsibility must match a country’s development stage — and has put its commitment into action by sharing technology and finance with Africa.
This focus on fairness is what resonates with Africa.
Xi made it lear that climate responsibility must reflect different stages of development, reminding the world that no country should be denied its right to growth.
This is particularly meaningful for Africa, where industrialisation remains a pressing need.
China has proved that growth and sustainability can coexist.
Some Western voices argue that China’s total carbon emissions are high — but they ignore two key facts: first, China’s per capita emissions are still lower than those of major Western economies (World Bank, 2024); second, China has taken concrete steps to reduce emissions while supporting developing nations — unlike the West, which has failed to deliver on its US$100 billion annual climate finance promise to developing countries for years.
For Africa, what matters is not just “who emitted more in the past”, but “who is willing to help us to adapt now” — and China’s actions speak louder than words.
Discipline and governance: The eight-point decision
The Eight-point decision, first introduced in 2012 to curb extravagance and promote discipline within China’s governance structures, remains a potent symbol of administrative integrity.
Its spirit continues to influence Chinese society — even evident in the cultural rebirth of traditions such as mooncake-giving at China’s traditional Mid-Autumn Festival, which is now embraced with moderation and sincerity, rather than waste and extravagance.
The decision represents the Chinese government’s determination to stay closely connected to the people, combat corruption and uphold values of modesty, frugality and accountability.
For African nations, where corruption has often derailed development, China’s eight-point decision serves as an example of governance reform that strengthens national cohesion and public trust.
It shows that discipline and restraint at the leadership level inspire confidence at the grassroots level.
In Africa, many countries wrestle with leaders who live in luxury while their citizens struggle with poverty.
China’s experience proves that simple yet effective measures, such as slashing unnecessary wasteful spending, streamlining bureaucracy and prioritising service to the people, can have a profound impact on a nation’s development.
Beyond governance, the Eight-point decision also embodies a deep respect for cultural values.
It illustrates that cultural heritage and moral discipline can coexist harmoniously with modernisation.
African nations, too, grapple with the balance between modernisation and tradition.
By examining China’s reforms, African leaders can see that modern governance does not require abandoning cultural identity.
Instead, it can elevate tradition to serve as a moral compass that guides the State.
Just as China has revived the simple value of moderation in festival celebrations — such as the emphasis on restraint in mooncake-giving — African nations can similarly draw on their indigenous traditions to combat corruption and enhance accountability.
China’s Global Governance Initiative
In an era of geopolitical instability, regional conflicts and Western double standards, China’s Global Governance Initiative (GGI) stands out as a pivotal call for fairness, mutual respect and co-operation.
Unlike governance systems driven by hegemony or domination, GGI embodies the principles of equality and inclusivity.
For Africa, which has long been sidelined in global decision-making, China’s approach holds the promise of a world order where all voices are heard and every voice carries weight.
GGI recognises that humanity’s challenges — climate change, poverty, pandemics and conflicts — cannot be solved by any single nation alone.
They require collective collaboration, inclusive dialogue and equal partnership.
China offers a model based not on domination, but on co-operation.
Africa has long been subjected to systems that treat the continent as a land of resources to be exploited rather than partners to be respected.
With China, however, the dynamic is different.
We are not dictated to — we are listened to.
By emphasising and prioritising development over confrontation, China provides a viable alternative to the exploitative models imposed by former colonial powers.
This vision is why African nations consistently find solidarity with Beijing in international forums.
China’s voting record at the United Nations reflects its unwavering commitment to defending developing nations’ sovereignty and opposing unilateral sanctions and interventions.
For Africa, which continues to suffer from Western interference, this solidarity is priceless.
China’s GGI also calls for building bridges across civilisations, rejecting the highly flawed notion of a “clash of civilisations” between the East and the West.
For Africans, this perspective is refreshing.
Our continent has rich traditions, languages and philosophies — yet these are often sidelined and ignored in Western-led global narratives.
China’s emphasis on mutual learning and respect gives Africa a seat at the table where its cultural richness is valued, not dismissed.
Advancing gender equality and women’s empowerment
China’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment, as articulated in its recent policy statements, aligns with Africa’s own pursuit of inclusive development.
From Beijing to the world, China advocates for breaking barriers that constrain women’s potential, a mission that resonates deeply with African societies, where women are often the backbone of families, agriculture and grassroots development, yet their contributions have long been undervalued.
China has compellingly demonstrated that modernisation is incomplete without empowering women.
By creating and expanding opportunities in education, science, technology and leadership roles, China is shaping a future where women’s talents and contributions are recognised and valued and their voices heard and respected.
This inclusion-focused model holds particular relevance for Africa: while women often make up the majority of small-scale farmers and informal traders, they are frequently excluded from decision-making processes.
The success of Chinese women in STEM, business and politics and public service offers a powerful proof of what can be achieved when systemic barriers are removed — inspiring African nations to accelerate their own gender-inclusive policies.
Crucially, China’s emphasis on gender equality is not just symbolic; it is rooted in practical, life-changing action.
From policies that guarantee maternal health care to programmes that encourage women’s entrepreneurship, China ensures that equality translates to tangible improvement for women’s daily lives.
Africa, too, is moving in this direction, with many nations implementing quotas for women in Parliament and initiatives for girls’ education.
In partnership with China, these efforts can accelerate and amplified impacts.
Together, we can create societies where both men and women equally drive development.
For instance, through its collaboration with the African Union (AU), China’s “Women in Science” initiative has sponsored over 2 000 African female students to pursue STEM studies in China over the past decade.
About 80% of these graduates have returned to Africa, contributing to sectors like technology, agriculture and education — and driving a 5% increase in the share of African women in technical roles (AU, 2023).
Such collaboration not only empowers individual women but also fuels broader continental development.
China and Africa: A shared destiny
From climate change to governance, from global co-operation to women’s empowerment, China is setting an example of responsible leadership.
For Africa, China’s rise is not a threat, but a shared opportunity.
We see in China a partner that respects sovereignty, understands the weight of history and offers a vision of development free from exploitation.
China’s presence in Africa is felt in the roads, bridges, railways, schools and hospitals it has helped build.
But beyond infrastructure, China offers something even greater: respect.
Unlike others, China does not humiliate or lecture us.
It works with us as equals.
This is why African leaders and ordinary people alike view China with trust and admiration.
As Africans, we salute China’s achievements and the leadership of President Xi.
We recognise the sacrifices, dedication and discipline that the Chinese people have shown in pursuing national prosperity — a journey that mirrors Africa’s own aspirations for growth.
Most importantly, we affirm that Africa and China walk side-by-side in the great mission of building a fairer, greener and more humane world order.
China’s story is not just its own; it is a beacon for the Global South.
Together, Africa and China can continue to push back against neo-imperialism tendencies, uphold international justice and secure a future where humanity thrives in harmony with nature and one another.
Conclusion
In looking at China’s commitments from climate action to governance reforms, from gender equality to global co-operation, we see a country charting a path of wisdom, balance and inclusivity.
As Africans, we are proud to walk alongside China on this journey.
Our struggles and aspirations are intertwined, and our destinies are bound together.
The world is watching, but more importantly, the world is learning from this partnership.
China has shown that prosperity can be attained without arrogance, that power can be exercised without domination and that leadership can be practised with humility.
For Africa, this is more than inspiration; it is genuine partnership, a bond of solidarity and the promise of a brighter tomorrow for all our peoples.
