Over the last 20 years, China has become sub-Saharan Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner.China being a major actor in Africa’s economy, the African Union organised an Economic, Social and Cultural Council (ECOSOCC) in partnership with the Chinese NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), the P2P Dialogue, which took place from 8-9 May 2025, aimed to deepen mutual understanding and practical collaboration between African and Chinese people.
The relationship between China and the African continent has been ripening over the years, a recent deceleration of economic growth means they will now need to take a more prudent approach if they want to maintain future trade relations and investment flows. It is in this line that the Economic, Social and Cultural Council,in collaboration with China NGO Network for International Exchanges (CNIE), organised a two-day dialogue bringing together civil society organizations from Africa and China as well as the business community and academia to foster friendship, cultural exchange and sustainable development.
ECOSOCC is ready to rally the voices of the African citizenry be it for the C2O, the B20 or the D20,ECOSOCC is ready to land but also share forces with the Chinese think tanks to lead in support to Africa’s G20 presidency. Let me conclude with this , today’s conversation will be wide ranging yet each one will turn to one simple powerful principle that we are stronger together when every voice is added.
WILLIAM CAREW, Head of ECOSOCC Secretariat
The platform was also meant to promote participatory dialogue, collaboration and knowledge sharing between communities as part of efforts to build a more people-centered Africa-China partnership.At the same time, China has also emerged as the largest bilateral creditor to Africa, providing African countries with a new source of infrastructure, mining and energy financing. China’s share of total sub-Saharan African external public debt was less than 2% before 2005 but grew to about 17%, or $134 billion, by 2021.
China and Africa have always stood together through thick and thin and we are true partners in win-win cooperation. Our mutual achievements and shared involvement vividly demonstrates our solidarity and collaboration of the global south.
LI JUAN, Vice-Chairman of the Chinese NGO network, China
The new commitments signify a shift away from direct infrastructure financing towards trade credit for regional exports, while promoting an increase in private investments.
Our partnership was anchored in the principle of equality, solidarity, shared prosperity and a common vision for a more just and better global order. When African and Chinese civil societies come together, they unleash a powerful force for transformative change.
Salma Malika Haddadi, Vice-Chairperson of the African Union Commission
According to the experts, better coordination and synergy will guarantee mutual benefits and sustainable growth for Africa and China. And to realise this immense potential, the two regions must give priority to greater coordination between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a Chinese project aimed at improving communication links and cooperation on a transcontinental scale.
