On May 20, 2025, Kunming, China, hosted the 14th China-Africa Think Tank Forum, a significant event that brought together policymakers, diplomats, and scholars from over 50 African countries. The gathering aimed to deepen understanding and cooperation around modernization efforts between China and Africa (AllAfrica, 2025).
Namibia’s Ambassador to China, Elia Kaiyamo, remarked that modernization is not a one-size-fits-all process but must reflect local needs and aspirations, especially in the areas of poverty reduction and societal development. Somalia’s Ambassador, Hodan Osman Abdi, highlighted human capital, infrastructure, and sustainable resource use as critical factors for Africa’s modernization journey.
Economist Joseph Sheehama emphasized the need for Africa to leverage its natural resources strategically while ensuring that partnerships—such as those with China—advance long-term goals like industrialization, technological growth, and renewable energy.
Ultimately, the forum reiterated the shared goal of people-centered, sustainable development between China and Africa, underlining the importance of cooperation tailored to each region’s unique path to progress.
Reference:
AllAfrica. (2025, June 3). Africa: Modernization in Motion – China-Africa Think Tank Forum. https://allafrica.com/stories/202506030655.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
