China-Africa Partnership Eyes Shared Future with Science and Technology as Bridge

Addis Ababa, September 26, 2025 (ENA) -- The China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Day was held in Addis Ababa today, highlighting science, technology and innovation (STI) as the bridge for a shared future,  China's Minister of Science and Technology said.

The event, which drew over 200 guests, including diplomats, experts, and entrepreneurs from over 10 African nations, China, and international organizations, is part of the dual frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

It featured thematic forums on sustainable development, green and smart city construction, and new energy cooperation, alongside an innovation exhibition.

Elaborating on the remarkable progress of China-Africa Cooperation, China's Science and Technology  Minister Yin  Hejun said, ''So far, China has signed intergovernmental STI agreements and established STI cooperative mechanisms with over 10 African countries... By doing so, China is sharing its science and technology cooperation outcomes with African countries to provide more support in science and technology to modernization in Africa.’’

 

He added that China "will pursue sincere friendship, treat each other as equals, seek win-win cooperation and with shared benefits, defend justice and conform to the times and embrace openness and inclusiveness as the spirit of China-Africa friendship. ''

Yin detailed the robust progress in cooperation, including the signing of intergovernmental STI agreements with over 10 African countries, implementing the Belt and Road Action Plan on STI development, and expanding people-to-people exchange through programs that have trained thousands of technical and management staff.

The Minister further proposed three main pathways for future cooperation.

 

Strengthening the alignment of innovation strategies, expanding people-to-people exchanges, and forging pragmatic cooperation mechanisms in areas like space information technology, artificial intelligence,
and traditional medicine.

Yin finally underscored the aim to "advance all-weather community with a shared future for China and Africa for the new era.", and urges “Let us take science and technology as a bridge for our joint future."

On his part, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla lauded the enduring partnership with China, describing it as a living model of South-South cooperation that is reshaping futures and redefining global development narratives.

 

According to him, the alliance has produced tangible progress from landmark infrastructure projects to groundbreaking advancements in science and innovation, calling the relationship transformational.

‘‘From landmark infrastructure projects to groundbreaking advancements in science and innovation, this alliance has produced tangible progress. It is not merely transactional; it is indeed transformational. Together, we are charting a course toward common prosperity and a more equitable international order. We are particularly inspired by the 10 major cooperation plans announced at the 2024 FOCAC on China-Africa cooperation."

The plans, spanning from trade, industrial cooperation, rural revitalization and beyond, offer a roadmap to a new era of modernization and inclusive growth, he elaborated, adding Ethiopia is actively implementing these initiatives with great vigor and commitment.

Furthermore, Belete thanked China for its support of Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative and its steadfast backing for Ethiopia’s membership in BRICS and the New Development Bank.

African Union Education and Science, Technology and Innovation Commissioner, Gaspard Banyankimbona, said the event builds directly on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit.

 

A historical memorandum of understanding on scientific and technological cooperation, which aligns with the AU's Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CISA) 2013–2020 and Agenda 2063, is signed.

The new MoU paves the way for joint action in research, innovation platforms, people-to-people exchange, and technological transfer, particularly in agriculture, health, ICT, energy, and environment.

‘‘Today's event builds directly on the outcome of the Beijing Summit and sets the stage for the upcoming China-Africa Innovation Forum in Wuhan. It also reflects our mutual cognition that science, technology, and innovation are not optional luxuries, but essential drivers for continuous, inclusive growth and dignity.’’

The Commissioner stressed that the partnership is "grounded in mutual learning, equity, shared accountability."

Moreover, Banyankimbona pointed out the significance of innovation cooperation saying that it forces political trust, strengthens economies, and enhances solidarity between Africa and China.