Rwanda’s health authorities have emphasized measures to prevent the spread of the disease. These include frequent handwashing and avoiding sexual contact, whether protected or unprotected, due to the high risk of transmission through such interactions.
Julien Mahoro Niyingabira, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, has told IGIHE that the country’s preventive strategies include the possibility of vaccinating the population, with priority given to those at higher risk.
“There is a team in Rwanda currently studying how the vaccination could be rolled out. Should the vaccination process begin, we will inform the public accordingly,” Niyingabira stated.
He further noted that while vaccines have not yet arrived in the country, priority for vaccination will be given to the most vulnerable groups before any nationwide rollout.
“We will not start with the entire population. Certain groups are more vulnerable to infection than others. We will begin with them based on the available vaccines, and as we progress, other groups will also be considered. However, the vaccination program has not yet started in the country,” he emphasized.
Niyingabira explained that cross-border traders in districts like Rubavu and other high-risk groups may be among the first to receive the vaccine.
“First, we need to secure the vaccines, and then the vaccination program can begin. Even when the vaccine arrives, it complements the existing preventive measures, meaning vaccination is one of the strategies we plan for Mpox prevention.”
The vaccines being distributed across African countries are largely provided by the African Union.
The health authorities have assured the public that the capacity to treat the disease is in place. As of now, the four individuals who had contracted Mpox in Rwanda have all been treated and discharged.
In the region, the Mpox outbreak has severely affected the Democratic Republic of Congo, where over 22,000 cases have been reported, with more than 715 fatalities this year alone. The Mpox virus has spread to 22 of the 26 provinces in the DRC, as well as 13 other African countries.
Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) has committed $600 million to a six-month campaign aimed at combating the epidemic in affected regions.
“An RSF attack on Gouz Al-Naqa village of Abu Gouta area in Gezira State killed at least 40 civilians,” the Abu Gouta Resistance Committee, a non-governmental group, said in a statement.
Several corpses remained exposed in the village, as the RSF is preventing displaced villagers from returning to bury the dead, according to the statement.
The committee called on civil society organizations to put pressure on the RSF to allow residents to enter the village and bury the deceased.
The RSF has not yet made any comment about the attack.
The RSF took control of Gezira State in December 2023 after the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) withdrew from Wad Madani, the capital of the state.
Since April 15, 2023, Sudan has been embroiled in a violent conflict between the SAF and the RSF. The conflict has resulted in at least 16,650 deaths and displaced millions of people.
Dr. Murigande’s career has been extensive, having served as the former Rector of the National University of Rwanda, Minister of Education, and most recently as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement at the University of Rwanda. Despite retiring, he remains actively involved in education as Chairman of the Board at Kepler College.
In addition to his contributions to education, Dr. Murigande has had a distinguished political career, holding positions such as Rwanda’s Ambassador to Japan, Secretary General of the RPF-Inkotanyi party, and ministerial roles in Foreign Affairs, Transport and Communications, Education, and Cabinet Affairs.
{{Improving the quality of education}}
According to Dr. Murigande, the term “quality education” is often used without a full understanding of what it entails or how to achieve it. He likened it to preparing a meal, where quality ingredients are essential for success. In education, the most crucial “ingredient” is the teacher.
“A well-trained, passionate teacher who views teaching as a calling, and is equipped with the necessary tools, can have a significant impact. Even under challenging conditions, a great teacher can deliver excellent results,” he emphasized.
Dr. Murigande also highlighted the importance of effective school management, discipline, and student focus as key factors for improving education. Additionally, he pointed out the impact of teacher-to-student ratios, noting that smaller class sizes allow for more individualized attention, leading to better outcomes.
He challenged the notion that Rwanda’s education system was better in the past, explaining that such comparisons are flawed. For example, Rwanda once had only 50,000 secondary school students in total, meaning that only 5% of primary school graduates advanced to secondary education.
Today, access to secondary education is far more widespread, and the top 5% of current graduates are just as competitive globally as their counterparts from prestigious universities like Cambridge and Oxford.
“What has shaped people’s perception of declining education quality is the democratization of education. As more students enter the system, not all have the same abilities. Our focus now should be on raising the capabilities of all students going through the system,” he stated.
Dr. Murigande suggested several measures to address these challenges, including ensuring that all teachers are well-qualified. He acknowledged that while progress cannot be made overnight, improving teacher quality is essential for long-term success.
He also reflected on past practices where lower-performing students were often channeled into teacher training, but noted that the Ministry of Education has corrected this, now admitting top-performing students into the profession.
Although there are still teachers who entered the system before these reforms, Dr. Murigande advocated for additional training to improve their skills and ensure they can meet today’s educational demands.
{{Leadership changes in the Ministry of Education}}
Dr. Murigande also discussed why the Ministry of Education has experienced frequent leadership changes, with 17 ministers serving in the last 30 years, including the most recent appointment of Joseph Nsengimana.
He attributed these changes to the government’s recognition of education as a cornerstone for national development. “No development is possible without quality education, which produces individuals capable of addressing the country’s challenges and implementing solutions,” he noted.
Given education’s critical role, Dr. Murigande explained that when expectations are not met, the government doesn’t wait passively for improvements. Instead, it acts swiftly, changing leadership in hopes of finding new approaches to deliver better results.
While acknowledging that leadership changes can sometimes cause short-term disruption, Dr. Murigande views them as calculated risks.
“You could leave things as they are, but that might not lead to progress. Change, though disruptive at first, can often bring about the faster results we need once the right solutions are found,” he observed.
The Head of State made these remarks during a Thanksgiving Prayer Breakfast organized by the Rwanda Leaders Fellowship (RLF) at the Kigali Convention Centre.
The event, held under the theme “Foundations of a Grateful Nation,” brought together religious leaders, non-governmental organizations, and government officials to express gratitude for Rwanda’s recent peaceful elections.
Kagame was re-elected as RPF Inkotanyi’s presidential candidate during the July elections this year with 99.18% of the vote, securing another five-year term.
During the thanksgiving event, he extended his appreciation to the organizers and acknowledged the peaceful and smooth conduct of the electoral process, expressing thanks to everyone involved.
Reflecting on the essence of thanksgiving, Kagame observed that it should be intertwined with genuine satisfaction.
“Thanksgiving cannot be an end in itself; it involves a sense of satisfaction. Satisfaction means that everything you expected or desired has been fulfilled. We should express gratitude in a way that reflects our genuine satisfaction with what we are thankful for,” he said.
Kagame also stressed the importance of aligning three key elements—spiritual, political, and cultural aspects—for a nation to stand firm.
He explained that these three elements were essential in rebuilding Rwanda after its darkest moments.
“For Rwanda to recover and reach where it is today, it was through the combination of these three elements. If we are in a good place today, it is because we effectively combined them,” he stated.
The President further clarified that, unlike other nations where religion may intertwine with politics or culture, Rwanda maintains distinct but complementary roles for these elements.
“If we are not careful and fail to understand how these elements should work together to bring positive results, we will face problems,” he warned.
The President cautioned against overstepping boundaries in politics, religion, or culture, noting that Rwanda’s tragic history of extremism was caused by crossing such limits. He advised that simplicity in handling these domains can lead to achieving goals with greater ease.
Kagame also called attention to the exploitation of the public in the name of religion, stressing the need to guard against scammers under religious pretexts. He reaffirmed the importance of religious values while underscoring that such values should not be manipulated for personal gain.
The Rwanda Leaders Fellowship, an organization committed to instilling Godly values in leadership, expressed its own gratitude during the event.
Moses Ndahiro, Chairman of RLF, praised the peaceful elections that allowed Rwandans to freely vote for their leader, and thanked the participants for their attendance at the prayer breakfast.
Preacher Lambert Bariho, another RLF member, highlighted the importance of maintaining a culture of thanksgiving even in challenging times.
Drawing from the Bible, specifically Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians 5:16-18, Bariho reminded attendees of the biblical teaching , stressing that gratitude should not only be reserved for times of abundance but also during challenges, as there is always something to be thankful for, no matter the circumstances.
Bariho expressed optimism for Rwanda’s future, asserting that the country, under President Kagame’s leadership, has moved past its darkest days, and that the challenges ahead will never again compare to the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.
Among the passengers were 35 African journalists, visiting for the first time to explore its vibrancy after successfully covering the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing from September 4th to 6th. Stepping off the plane, the domestic flight clearance was swift, and within moments we were on shuttle buses headed to our accommodations.
A defining feature upon arrival in China is the sheer scale of infrastructure development, and Chongqing is no exception. The city’s breathtaking blend of modern development, clean green streets, and impressive architecture against a backdrop of natural beauty makes you feel as if you’ve found the ‘promised land.’
Chongqing is renowned for its spicy food, one of the top descriptors for the area, but its charm goes far beyond cuisine. With a history spanning thousands of years, it is one of China’s four municipalities directly under the central government control, alongside Beijing and Shanghai. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, the city is surrounded by mountains, leading to the construction of extensive tunnels to ease transportation.
In the city center, the domed Great Hall of the People stands majestically over People’s Square, while nearby, the Three Gorges Museum showcases ancient artifacts and the history of the Three Gorges Dam construction. Chongqing spans a vast area, with jurisdiction over 38 districts and counties, covering 82,400 square kilometers and housing over 32 million residents, 93.23% of whom are Han Chinese, alongside ethnic groups such as the Tujia and Miao.
Known as the “Mountain City” and the “River City,” Chongqing boasts a humid subtropical monsoon climate, with early springs, hot summers, rainy autumns, and mild winters. The Yangtze River, stretching 691 kilometers, winds its way through the city, joined by the Jialing and Wujiang rivers. Chongqing’s landscape is predominantly mountainous, with mountains covering 76% of the terrain.
Chongqing is not just a historical and cultural city; it holds strategic importance for China’s development. It was the first inland city to open to foreign trade in 1981 and was officially established as a city in 1929. The Chengdu-Chongqing Twin-Hub Mega-Region and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor are critical to the city’s role in the Belt and Road Initiative, connecting over 480 ports in 120 countries worldwide.
The city’s rapid industrial development has transformed it into a manufacturing powerhouse. It is among the top automotive production hubs in China and is the world’s largest producer of laptops. Chongqing is striving to build a modern manufacturing system centered around intelligent vehicles, next-gen electronics, and advanced materials. It also leads in innovation hubs in smart technology, life sciences, and green technologies.
Chongqing’s transportation infrastructure is equally impressive, featuring a multimodal network of rail, road, water, and air transport. With over 1,000 kilometers of high-speed rail, 4,000 kilometers of expressways, and an extensive river shipping system, it serves as a comprehensive transportation hub. In 2023, Chongqing’s GDP reached RMB 3.01 trillion (over US$424 bilion), reflecting a 6.1% growth.
Beyond its economic achievements, Chongqing is home to numerous cultural and natural treasures. The Mountain City Alley Traditional Style Area, a historical site in the city center, features preserved traditional buildings like the Catholic Charity Hall and the Changle Yongkang Stone Ancestral Gate.
Another notable landmark is the Liziba Station, China’s first through-building metro station that showcases Chongqing’s architectural ingenuity. Liziba Station is located in Yuzhong District. It is designed to improve the efficiency and convenience of urban transportation but has become a sight to behold.
Applying multiple technologies, the monorail enables trains to run through buildings without causing the structures to shake.
It cleverly achieves its functionality based on the complex terrain, which embodies the wisdom of the Chongqing people and ultimately stands among testaments to Chinese people’s prowess and great zeal to always foster innovations.
For a panoramic view of the city, the Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street and the World Financial Center (WFC) Huixianlou Observation Deck offer breathtaking vistas of Chongqing’s urban landscape, including the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
The WFC Observation Deck, unveiled in 2017, offers a stunning view of Chongqing’s iconic landmarks, including the intersection of two rivers, the Grand Theatre (a performing arts venue in central Chongqing), and Nanbin Road’s nightscape.
Located on the 73rd to 75th floors, it is China’s highest open-air observation deck. Nearby, the historic Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, built in 1947 and transformed into Western China’s first commercial pedestrian street in 1997, remains a vibrant hub with a commercial area of 160,000 m², earning recognition as one of China’s top business centers.
One of Chongqing’s most iconic cultural sites is the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 50,000 statues carved into rock formations, reflecting over a millennium of Chinese artistry and religious devotion. These carvings stand alongside other famous rock art in China, such as the Mogao Caves and the Yungang Grottoes.
No visit to Chongqing would be complete without experiencing its famous hot pot cuisine, a spicy culinary tradition that involves dipping fresh ingredients into a boiling broth.
Accompanied by local fruits and juices, the hot pot experience is a sensory delight. The city’s markets offer an abundance of local produce, including pumpkins, taro, maize, sea food and fresh vegetables among others.
As night falls, Chongqing’s streets come alive. Along the Jialing River, locals and tourists alike gather to enjoy the glittering lights of the city, the illuminated bridges, and the relaxing atmosphere that invites you to extend your stay.
Chongqing’s beauty, history, and vibrancy offer a truly unique experience for anyone fortunate enough to visit. This city, with its rich blend of culture, industry, and nature, is a testament to China’s development and a gateway to understanding its past, present, and future.
{{Stunning infrastructure}}
{{Monorail traversing buildings }}
{{The Mountain City Alley Traditional Style Area}}
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Dr. Murigande reflected on the nation’s journey and the preparations for the upcoming ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ gospel crusade, which is making a return after several years of hiatus.
Dr. Murigande, now retired, has held numerous important roles in Rwanda’s political landscape, including serving as the Secretary General of the FPR Inkotanyi, representing Rwanda internationally, and heading various ministries.
He has been appointed as the coordinator of the ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ National Thanksgiving crusade, set to take place on September 29, 2024, at Amahoro Stadium.
{{Reflecting on 30 years of progress}}
Murigande emphasized that Rwandans from all faiths should take this opportunity to express their gratitude for the peace and stability that have been restored over the last 30 years.
“This year marks a significant milestone—30 years after the Genocide against the Tutsi was halted, 30 years since Rwanda’s liberation, the fourth Presidential elections, and the fifth Parliamentary elections since the Genocide,” he remarked.
He added that this anniversary is a moment for Rwandans to reflect on the nation’s journey toward peace and restoration.
“The peace and security we’ve been able to achieve are no small feat. Many nations that went through similar traumas are still struggling, yet Rwanda has rebuilt itself,” Murigande pointed out.
He reflected on the transformation Rwanda has undergone since 1994, when many Rwandans were refugees scattered across the world. Today, most have returned to contribute to the country’s reconstruction, and Rwanda stands tall on the international stage, with every Rwandan taking pride in their nation.
Murigande stressed that Rwandans should also give thanks for the significant strides made in education, healthcare, infrastructure, electricity, clean water, food security, and other developmental areas that have lifted the country out of isolation.
The upcoming event will feature performances from a host of Rwandan gospel artists, including Israel Mbonyi, Aimé Uwimana, James and Daniel, René Patrick, Christian Irimbere, Prosper Nkomezi, Gaby Kamanzi, Ben wa Chance, Bosco Nshuti, Yvan Ngenzi, Chriso Ndasingwa, and others.
{{Hope for a brighter future}}
Murigande further reflected on Rwanda’s rise from the ashes of the Genocide, noting that it would have been difficult for anyone in 1994 to imagine the country’s current state of stability and respect on the world stage.
“Rwanda was in a very difficult situation; it wasn’t easy to foresee that it would reach this level of development and command the respect it has today,” he stated.
Drawing from his experience as a member of the RPF-Inkotanyi, Murigande recalled the political vision that drove the party’s efforts to transform Rwanda.
“As someone who was part of the RPF, we always believed that if we executed our vision and worked tirelessly, Rwanda could change. That is the foundation we built on to achieve today’s progress,” he explained.
The ‘Rwanda Shima Imana’ crusade, which began in 2012, was created to provide a platform for Rwandans to express their gratitude to God for His blessings.
This year’s edition, set for September 29, 2024, promises to be a significant event in Rwanda’s ongoing journey of gratitude and hope for the future.
Over the years, the link between corporate governance and stock market performance has become more evident, with investors paying closer attention to a company’s governance practices before investing. Private equity investors also show a greater preference for companies that embrace good corporate governance standards.
Today, the principles of corporate governance have become essential to gain shareholder confidence and maximize shareholder value. Companies with good governance practices are better equipped to navigate economic downturns with agility.
In this context, the Capital Market Authority (CMA), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), has developed the Capital Market Corporate Governance Code.
This code has been benchmarked against leading global frameworks and initiatives, including those from the OECD, IFRS, EU, the Task Force for Climate-related Disclosures (TCFD), and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Speaking at the virtual launch of the governance code, CMA CEO, Mr. Thapelo Tsheole said that the corporate governance code will foster investor confidence. “Confidence and integrity are crucial for the development of any capital market. Investors invest with the understanding that their money is in good hands and will remain in good hands. Good corporate governance structures inspire this confidence,” he said.
Tsheole added that Rwanda’s capital market is in competition for capital, with investors spoilt for choice, hence the need for a competitive strategy.
Investors today have expanded their focus beyond a company’s financial performance to include the financial risks and opportunities arising from broader economic, environmental, and societal challenges, as well as a company’s ability to manage and adapt to those risks.
Amb. Nduhungirehe made these remarks during the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, held at Kigali Convention Centre on September 12, 2024. The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda, drew diplomats, government officials, members of the Chinese community in Rwanda, and friends of China.
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1971, Rwanda and China have forged a strong relationship grounded in mutual respect and a shared vision for development. In recent years, this bond has grown through increased partnerships and political understanding.
Rwanda firmly upholds the One-China principle, while China has consistently supported Rwanda’s national unity and efforts to combat Genocide denial and hate speech.
China’s investments in Rwanda, which exceed $1.2 billion since 2019, span critical sectors like manufacturing, construction, real estate, and mining.
Notably, the upgrade of Masaka District Hospital to an 837-bed facility, which will form part of the Kigali University Teaching Hospital (CHUK), is one of many infrastructure projects demonstrating China’s significant contributions. The two nations also saw a bilateral trade volume of $550 million in 2023, with China’s imports from Rwanda increasing by 86.2% from last year.
Rwanda’s cooperation with China is further strengthened through platforms like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Joint Economic, Technical, and Trade Committee (JETTCO).
China is also engaged in key sectors such as agriculture, education, ICT, and infrastructure, significantly contributing to Rwanda’s social and economic transformation. A prime example is the Juncao mushroom cultivation program, which has benefitted 35,000 Rwandan farmers.
In light of this, Amb. Nduhungirehe expressed Rwanda’s deep appreciation for China’s contributions, stating, “Rwanda views China as an important and reliable partner that has significantly contributed to our socio-economic development. This collaboration has been particularly impactful in priority sectors such as infrastructure, health, energy, and education, aligning with our shared vision of mutual growth and prosperity.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Rwanda, Wang Xuekun welcomed growing relations between both countries underscoring that this year holds great significance.
He was referring to recent engagements where President Paul Kagame attended the 2024 Beijing Summit of Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and co-chaired the high-level meeting on state governance.
Kagame met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping and elevated bilateral relations to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an important milestone in bilateral relations.
Besides, more close friendship ties have been cemented. Notably, this year, the City of Jinhua of Zhejiang Province, and the District of Musanze, became sister cities, the first ever pair of sister cities between the two countries.
“China-Rwanda relations are now at the best in history. Let’s work together to implement the important consensus reached by leaders of the two countries,” he stated.
Amb. Xuekun emphasized the need to work together to advance cooperation in various fields, and inject new momentum into the comprehensive strategic partnership to create more benefits for the two peoples.
{{China’s development: A model of growth and global impact}}
Reflecting on China’s achievements over the past 75 years, Amb. Xuekun highlighted how the country has transformed from a society facing shortages of food and clothing into a global economic powerhouse under the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
In 2023, China’s GDP reached $17.9 trillion, a 223-fold increase from 1952, with an average annual growth rate of 7.9% over the past 70 years. The per capita GDP rose from $194 in 1980 to $12,700 in 2023, almost matching the global average.
Over the past 75 years, China also made significant strides in improving the quality of life for its citizens. About 100 million of the Chinese population was lifted out of poverty in the past decade. Absolute poverty has been eradicated in China.
The average life expectancy increased from 35 years in 1949 to 78.6 years in 2023. With the world’s largest social security system in place, the Chinese people are enjoying a great sense of gain, happiness, and security.
According to Amb. Xuekun, China has spared no efforts in promoting ecological civilization.
In 2023, China ranked first in the global scale of renewable energy, with more than half of the world’s newly installed capacity.
For 9 consecutive years, China has produced and sold the most new-energy vehicles in the world, accounting for 60% of the world’s total in 2023.
China is now among the world’s top countries in terms of trade, manufacturing, commodity consumption and others. It has contributed more than 30% to world annual economic growth in the past decade, remaining as a robust engine of the world economy.
Among others, China has consistently pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, and adhered to the path of peaceful development. The country also established diplomatic relations with 183 countries in the world.
“Looking back on the history in the past 75 years, we are deeply proud of what we have achieved. And we are determined to achieve more,” noted Amb. Xuekun, underscoring the country’s commitment to world peace and development, and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.
“Through Jinhua University, we focus on areas such as research, academic discussions, and skills training, and we’ve established a new multilevel, multifield, and multiform pattern of China-Africa education cooperation,” Zhu stated.
To date, Jinhua City has trained over 30,000 African students from more than 50 countries. [Zhejiang Normal University ->https://en.igihe.com/arts-culture/article/inside-the-african-museum-at-zhejiang-normal-university-photos]in Jinhua is home to the first comprehensive African Research Institute in a Chinese university and has hosted nearly 300 training programs for over 6,000 African officials, experts, and scholars. This has cultivated a significant number of African experts in China and China experts in Africa.
The city’s educational collaboration includes partnerships like the Morocco-Yiwu Business School and Jinhua Polytechnic Universities. Additionally, Jinhua Polytechnic has partnered with Musanze Integrated Polytechnic in Rwanda’s Northern Province. Zhu expressed optimism about this year’s FOCAC Summit, seeing it as an opportunity to deepen such collaborations.
“In April, the university welcomed 30 international students from Rwanda’s Musanze College [IPRC Musanze]. These students have quickly adapted to their studies in Jinhua and have strengthened their confidence in the future of vocational education,” Zhu noted.
“Looking ahead, we take this Beijing Summit FOCAC as an opportunity to further deepen and expand pragmatic cooperation with African countries in all aspects. We will continue to polish businesses as part of China Africa cooperation and make great contributions for building a China-Africa high level community with a shared future,” added Zhu.
On March 28, 2024, [Jinhua signed a Sister Cities Agreement with Musanze District->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/sister-city-of-musanze-explore-jinhua-the-heart-of-zhejiang-s-economic-growth] in Rwanda’s Northern Province, marking the first such agreement between China and Rwanda and symbolizing a new chapter of friendship and cooperation.
In the same month, Jinhua Polytechnic, signed a five-year agreement for an exchange program that initially allowed students from IPRC Musanze departing for China to study for two years in Rwanda and one year in China for an Advanced Diploma. This agreement followed a long term partnership between the two side, spanning more than a decade.
Zhejiang Province is one of China’s most economically developed regions, and has forged agreements with various African countries in trade, education, and development.
Chen Jiangfeng, Deputy Director of Zhejiang’s Department of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that Zhejiang has launched two consecutive three-year action plans on Zhejiang-Africa cooperation. “These efforts have led to new progress and results, particularly in frequent people-to-people exchanges,” he said.
Zhejiang has established 31 sister relationships with African countries, including Rwanda, ensuring friendly relations at the provincial, municipal, and district levels. In recent years, delegations led by top Zhejiang officials have visited Africa, co-hosting events and signing major cooperation agreements with local governments.
Economic and trade ties between Zhejiang and Africa are yielding significant results. In 2023, bilateral trade reached USD 53.9 billion, with Zhejiang’s investment in Africa totaling USD 4.6 billion. In the first half of 2024, two-way trade amounted to USD 27.88 billion, with a 12.9% year-on-year increase in imports from Africa, totaling USD 5.55 billion.
Educational and cultural exchanges are also flourishing. More than 20 Zhejiang universities have formed partnerships with African institutions, and eight Confucius Institutes have been established across the continent, training 120,000 Chinese language talents. Zhejiang has also provided vocational training for over 2,800 individuals from more than 160 African companies, and over 6,500 African students are currently studying in Zhejiang.
Medical cooperation is another pillar of Zhejiang’s engagement with Africa. For 55 consecutive years, Zhejiang has sent medical aid teams to African countries, including Mali and Namibia. In 2022 and 2023 alone, Zhejiang dispatched 110 medical personnel to Africa, delivering services to 183,800 people. These teams also provided free clinics in remote areas and promoted traditional Chinese medicine while conducting over 70 medical training sessions and 15 academic meetings.
“Our tricycles, capable of carrying both goods and passengers, are easy to operate and don’t require fuel, making them a hit in many African countries,” said Wang Juxiang, head of the company’s technical department.
As trade between China and Africa booms, more African consumers are embracing quality Chinese products like smartphones and electric vehicles, creating new growth opportunities for Chinese companies.
Jiangsu, a manufacturing powerhouse in China, is witnessing a surge in its enterprises exploring new collaborative ventures across the vast African continent.
According to customs data, Jiangsu’s trade with Africa reached 97.43 billion yuan (about 13.7 billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of this year, marking a 30.3 percent year-on-year increase.
Keiper Changshu Seating Mechanisms Co., Ltd., specializing in manufacturing key automotive seating components, is among those making significant strides in the African market.
“In the first half, we exported 222,000 automobile seat parts to South Africa. Our clients are satisfied with the quality of our products,” said Han Tingwen, an engineer at the company.
With an abundant variety of commodities, convenient and fast logistics, and a good business environment, the city of Yiwu in east China’s Zhejiang Province is often referred to as “the world’s supermarket.”
The Yiwu International Trade Market, offering 2.1 million types of goods and serving over 200 countries and regions, counts Africa among its top export destinations.
Thanks to growing China-Africa trade relations, the city’s exports to Africa make up about one-twelfth of China’s total exports to the region in 2023, while its imports from Africa are increasing.
Currently, over 560,000 overseas merchants make purchases in Yiwu each year, with African traders representing more than 10 percent of that number. Additionally, over 3,000 merchants from Africa reside in Yiwu.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record 282.1 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, according to China’s Ministry of Commerce.
Notably, China’s exports of new energy vehicles, lithium batteries and photovoltaic products to Africa in 2023 surged year on year by 291 percent, 109 percent and 57 percent, respectively.
Beyond traditional sectors such as primary processing industries, Sino-African trade cooperation is expanding into emerging fields like the digital economy, healthcare and financial services.
Chinese-made products are also enjoying smoother entry into African markets. Wuxi BioHermes Bio and Medical Technology Co., Ltd. in Jiangsu recently shipped a batch of glycated hemoglobin analyzers and test kits to Algeria.
“In the field of diabetes diagnosis, we’ve miniaturized large lab equipment into portable devices, making transportation easier and more cost-effective for our African clients,” said Liu Yan, the company’s general manager, adding that thanks to expedited customs procedures, the company has shortened its delivery cycle by 15 percent, further solidifying its customer base in Africa.
“Our personal care products are now sold in over 10 African countries and regions, with related exports growing by 15 percent year on year in the first half of this year,” said Chen Caiming, a foreign trade manager at a biotechnology company in Jiangsu.
Chen said the company’s products have been well received by African customers, prompting local customs authorities to open a green channel for sea freight exports, which significantly improves shipping efficiency. “Our orders from African clients are already booked through November, and we are confident in our ability to deliver on time without compromising quality.”
Sang Baichuan, a professor at the University of International Business and Economics, said the rapid development of Sino-African trade is rooted in mutual benefits and shared interests.
“This is not only a testament to China’s high-quality development but also plays a significant role in advancing African social progress and improving local living standards,” said Sang.
“The economic complementarity between China and Africa is robust,” Sang noted. “China possesses mature, applicable technologies and ample financial resources, while African nations have abundant human and natural advantages.”
“Cementing trade ties between both sides facilitates the optimal use of these strengths and the vast market potential, leading to mutually beneficial and shared development,” he added.
