China-Africa cooperation key to implementing G20 outcomes

China and African nations should deepen cooperation in economic growth, sustainable development, digital transformation, and people-to-people exchanges in order to implement the outcomes of the latest G20 summit and accelerate Africa's modernization over the next five years, according to experts.

Patrick Maluki, chair of the Department of Diplomacy and International Studies at the University of Nairobi, said the G20 summit reaffirmed global priorities that closely align with Africa's development needs, including inclusive economic growth, climate action, technological innovation, and reforms to global financial governance.

"These priorities reflect the development needs of African countries as they pursue modernization in a world filled with economic and geopolitical challenges," Maluki said.

He highlighted Africa's rapid population growth and urbanization as both opportunities and urgent demands for jobs, infrastructure, and social services — areas where China has already played a significant role through investment, trade, and industrial development.

Over the next five years, African countries must reposition themselves within global value chains by moving from raw-material exports to manufacturing and value-added production, Maluki said.

"Joint ventures, technology transfer initiatives, special economic zones, and regional supply chain development will help African countries move upward in global production systems," he said.

Maluki also called for joint efforts to promote climate-resilient growth that protects agriculture, livelihoods, and development gains.

Digital transformation — another key G20 priority — must also be at the center of Africa's modernization strategy. China's global leadership in e-commerce, mobile finance, and artificial intelligence positions it to support Africa's digital leap, he said.

He urged prioritizing broadband expansion, youth digital-skills development, and strengthening innovation ecosystems through partnerships between African and Chinese academic institutions.

Maluki pointed out that G20 outcomes offer a clear roadmap for global development, noting that China and Africa have already established a strong foundation.

"If we work together over the next five years, focusing on inclusive growth, sustainability, green development, digital transformation, and people-centered policies, we can build a modern, resilient, and prosperous future for our nations," he said.

Hassan Khannenje, director of Horn International Institute for Strategic Studies, echoed Maluki's views, noting that China is a key partner for Africa in implementing the G20 outcomes. He highlighted specific areas where China-Africa collaboration could deliver tangible results, such as agricultural technology and green industrialization.

On infrastructure, he noted that reform of multilateral development banks creates opportunities for innovative climate-resilient financing.

Chinese-backed institutions, such as the New Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, are well-positioned to pilot fast-tracked green financing models that complement traditional multilateral development banks — accelerating the rollout of resilient transport networks, urban systems, and other infrastructure vulnerable to climate shocks.

Khannenje emphasized that the G20's focus on digital public infrastructure and secure data flows provides a roadmap for Africa's digital transformation. China's experience in the digital economy can help scale digital payments and e-commerce platforms, establish cross-border payment systems, reduce transaction costs, and enable small and medium enterprises to access global markets, he said.

In agriculture, he highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things to modernize the sector, optimize yields, enhance market intelligence, and reduce post-harvest losses, ensuring food security — a key G20 and Sustainable Development Goals priority.

Khannenje said the next five years constitute a decisive window for China and Africa to forge a sustainable, modern development path. With structural trends aligning and mutual interests deepening, he said China's leadership and experience are pivotal for guiding this transformation.

"The data, the structural trends, and the convergence of interests present an overwhelming case for deepened, strategic engagement," Khannenje said.

"Victory belongs to those who seize opportunities, who exploit crises positively, and those who dare to free themselves from old dominions," Khannenje said. "Friends, that time is now."