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

Addis ababa: 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. According to Ethiopian News Agency, China's Science and Technology Minister Yin Hejun elaborated on the remarkable progress of China-Africa Cooperation, stating, "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 out comes with African countries to provide more support in science and technology to modernization in Africa." He emphasized China's commitment to pursuing sincere friendship, treating each other as equals, seeking win-win cooperation with shared benefits, defending justice, and embracing 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, including 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 underscored the aim to " advance all-weather community with a shared future for China and Africa for the new era," urging, "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. He noted the alliance's tangible progress from landmark infrastructure projects to groundbreaking advancements in science and innovation, calling the relationship transformational. Belete highlighted the 10 major cooperation plans announced at the 2024 FOCAC on China-Africa cooperation, spanning trade, industrial cooperation, rural revitalization, and beyond, offering a roadmap to a new era of modernization and inclusive growth. He elaborated that Ethiopia is actively implementing these initiatives with great vigor and commitment, thanking China for its support of Ethiopia's Green Legacy Initiative and its stea dfast 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, was 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. Banyankimbona emphasized that the partnership is grounded in mutual learning, equity, and shared accountability. He pointed out the significance of innovation cooperation, saying that it fosters political trust, strengthens economies, and enhances solidarity between Africa and China.