China and South Africa unveiled a landmark cooperation initiative at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg this past weekend, aiming to accelerate Africa’s modernization and sustainable development.
The initiative builds on commitments made at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, where China proposed 10 partnership actions to support the continent’s growth. Jointly drafted with African partners, the plan seeks to attract international attention and investment while addressing Africa’s unique development challenges.
Zhao Wenfei, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in South Africa, highlighted that the initiative emphasizes modernization, shared prosperity, social and cultural advancement, environmental sustainability, and peaceful development. “Modernization should benefit everyone, not just select nations,” Zhao said, citing China’s own development experience as a model for inclusive growth.
A core focus of the initiative is green infrastructure and sustainable mining. Lin Feng, director general of International Trade and Economic Affairs at the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, explained that green, low-carbon development in the mineral sector will drive high-quality growth and create opportunities for all participating countries. The initiative identifies seven priority areas for international cooperation, promoting shared benefits from green mining and sustainable practices.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) has endorsed the plan. Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan noted that Chinese technology and investments have already improved lives in Africa, citing examples such as solar-powered electricity in rural South Africa and battery storage for vaccine refrigeration in Ethiopia.
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