Editor’s Note
In this feature, The Wall Street Herald highlights the upcoming visit of Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria from January 5 to 11. This annual tradition underscores the importance of Africa in China’s global strategy.
To explore the visit’s significance, we spoke with Dr. Djibril Diallo, President and CEO of the African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN). A globally respected leader in international development, Dr. Diallo shares insights into the evolving dynamics of China-Africa relations, spanning economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and global diplomacy.
This collaborative effort also features perspectives from African stakeholders, ensuring a diverse dialogue. Published in English and Chinese, this piece aims to amplify African voices and foster mutual understanding in global cooperation.
— The Wall Street Herald Editorial Team
Q: What is your perspective on the tradition of Chinese foreign ministers visiting Africa as their first overseas trip of the year for 35 consecutive years? What message does this convey about China-Africa relations?
A: This tradition underscores the deep respect and strategic importance that China places on its relationship with Africa. It demonstrates a consistent commitment to dialogue, collaboration, and a shared future. The recently held Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing further highlighted the importance of China-Africa relations by providing the sole international platform where African nations could examine all aspects of political, economic, and social engagements. This visit could be considered a follow-up to FOCAC, ensuring that the commitments and priorities established during the forum translate into actionable outcomes.
Q: From your experience and expertise, how would you describe the significance of Mr. Wang Yi’s visit to Namibia, the Republic of the Congo, Chad, and Nigeria at this moment in time?
A: Mr. Wang Yi’s visit comes at a critical juncture when Africa is navigating post-pandemic recovery, addressing climate challenges, and advancing its economic transformation. These countries represent diverse strengths: Namibia’s leadership in renewable energy, the Republic of the Congo’s resources, Chad’s strategic role in regional security, and Nigeria’s influence as Africa’s largest economy. This visit reinforces China’s role as a partner in supporting Africa’s development while addressing shared challenges.
Q: How do you perceive the role of Africa in China’s broader global strategy, especially as China strengthens its ties with various African nations?
A: Africa plays a central role in China’s global strategy as both a partner and a contributor to global governance. Africa offers critical resources for China’s industries, including coal from South Africa, iron ore from Gabon, timber from Equatorial Guinea, and copper from Zambia.
Additionally, Africa represents a rapidly growing market for Chinese products, making it a pivotal partner for China’s economic future.
As Africa positions itself as a global hub with a projected population of 2.5 billion by 2050, its significance to China’s strategic objectives will only continue to grow.
Q: Economic cooperation has been a cornerstone of China-Africa relations. What areas of economic partnership between China and Africa do you believe will be prioritized during this visit?
A: Over the last 20 years, China has become sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner. According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), 20% of Africa’s exports now go to China, and 16% of its imports come from China, amounting to a record $282 billion in total trade volume in 2023.
I expect this visit to prioritize infrastructure development, renewable energy, and technology transfer. Strengthening trade relations, ensuring sustainability in debt management, and fostering industrialization will also be key areas of focus to ensure long-term economic benefits for both sides.
Q: Given the focus on development initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), how do you think this visit could further integrate African nations into global economic frameworks?
A: This visit could strengthen Africa’s integration into global economic frameworks by focusing on transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, and trade facilitation. The BRI has the potential to address structural barriers to trade while creating new avenues for African goods to enter global markets.
A renewed focus on localized industrialization and value chain development would further align African economies with global standards.
Q: How can African countries ensure a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship in their economic partnerships with China?
A: African countries must adopt transparent negotiation frameworks that prioritize sustainable debt management, environmental protections, and local economic development. Investments should create local jobs, transfer skills, and strengthen institutional capacity.
By aligning partnerships with national development goals, African nations can ensure that these relationships are equitable and mutually beneficial.
Q：How important do you think cultural and people-to-people exchanges are in the context of strengthening China-Africa ties?
A:Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are essential to fostering trust, understanding, and collaboration. These exchanges build bridges across languages, traditions, and perspectives, enabling deeper cooperation in education, arts, and innovation.
Such initiatives ensure that the partnership evolves beyond economics and resonates at a human level.
Q:What role can organizations like ARDN play in fostering mutual understanding and collaboration between China and Africa on cultural and social levels?
A: ARDN is uniquely positioned to act as a bridge between Africa and its global partners, including China. Through initiatives like the Red Card Campaign, we address gender equality and SDG 5, while fostering global dialogue. ARDN’s “Pathway to Solutions” initiative leverages partnerships with United Nations entities, local communities, and diaspora networks to promote sustainable development.
By organizing cultural exchanges, convening leadership summits, and amplifying African success stories, ARDN fosters mutual understanding and strengthens collaborative ties between China and Africa.
Q: Mr. Wang Yi’s visit comes at a time of significant geopolitical changes. How do you see Africa’s partnerships with China shaping the continent’s position in global diplomacy?
A: Africa’s partnerships with China enhance its leverage in global diplomacy, providing a platform to advocate for equitable representation in international institutions. By aligning their priorities, Africa and China can jointly address global challenges, such as climate change and health crises, while fostering a multipolar world order.
Q: As President & CEO of ARDN, how do you view China’s contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Africa? What areas need more focus or improvement?
A: China has contributed significantly to SDGs in Africa, particularly in infrastructure, poverty reduction, and renewable energy. However, more focus is needed on education, gender equality, and local community engagement.
The Red Card Campaign serves as an entry point for promoting the SDGs in Africa, alongside partnerships with local governments through mayors, strengthening educational quality, fostering youth employment opportunities, and projecting success stories that highlight economic and social achievements across the continent.
Q: The ARDN focuses on empowering Africa and its diaspora. In your view, how can Chinese-African partnerships better engage the African diaspora in the development of the continent?
A:ARDN has extensive experience in engaging the African diaspora through initiatives that link them to investment, entrepreneurship, and leadership opportunities on the continent.
For example, our collaboration with diaspora communities has fostered resource mobilization and skills transfer.
Chinese-African partnerships can build on this by creating platforms for diaspora involvement in trade, innovation, and education, ensuring they are key stakeholders in Africa’s progress.
Q: What collaborative opportunities do you see between ARDN and Chinese organizations in advancing the empowerment and development of African nations?
A: ARDN could partner with Chinese organizations on projects that empower women and youth, enhance education, and promote cultural exchanges.
Initiatives like the Red Card Campaign offer a collaborative platform to address gender-based violence and advance SDG 5. Joint efforts in health, infrastructure, and digital innovation could also amplify Africa’s development.
Q: Looking ahead, what steps should African leaders and their Chinese counterparts take to ensure a sustainable and equitable partnership?
A:Both sides must prioritize accountability, transparency, and sustainability in agreements. African leaders should align partnerships with national and regional development goals, while China should ensure that its investments generate local economic benefits, create jobs, and address environmental concerns.
Q: What key outcomes or agreements would you hope to see emerge from Mr. Wang Yi’s visit to Africa this year?
A:I hope to see agreements that prioritize job creation, sustainable trade, and renewable energy. Additionally, commitments to debt relief, education, and climate adaptation would create tangible benefits for local communities and foster long-term development.
Q: How do you think African countries can leverage their growing relationships with China to address pressing issues like climate change, health crises, and technology gaps?
A:African countries can partner with China to invest in green technology, build resilient healthcare systems, and close the digital divide. Collaborative efforts in renewable energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and digital skills training can address immediate challenges while laying the foundation for sustainable growth.
About Dr. Djibril Diallo
President & CEO, African Renaissance and Diaspora Network (ARDN)
Overview:
With over 35 years of experience in international development, Dr. Djibril Diallo is a recognized leader in advancing the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At ARDN, he leads initiatives like the Red Card Campaign, which uses sport to combat gender-based violence and promote gender equality. His work focuses on youth empowerment, gender equality, and global collaboration.
Key Leadership Roles:
- Regional Director, UNAIDS, leading efforts to end AIDS by 2030.
- Director, UN Office of Sport for Development and Peace.
- Spokesperson for the UN General Assembly President.
- Global communications leader at UNDP.
Education & Languages:
- PhD in Linguistics and Communication, University of London.
- Fluent in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese; working knowledge of Arabic and African languages.
Contact:
- Email: djibril.diallo@ardn.ngo
- WhatsApp: +1-646-954-2389
- Social Media: Twitter | LinkedIn
Dr. Diallo’s leadership and global perspective drive impactful solutions for a more equitable, peaceful, and sustainable world.
