These include the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), and Global Governance Initiative (GGI), all reflecting China’s approach to tackling transnational challenges through multilateral cooperation and a shared future for humanity.
Since their inception, the initiatives have gained support from more than 100 countries and international organizations.
The discussions took place during a one-day webinar themed “The Benefits of China’s Four Global Initiatives to Africa,” organized by Africa-China Review in collaboration with the Chinese Embassy in Rwanda.
The event brought together academics, policymakers, and experts from both regions to exchange insights on how these frameworks are driving inclusive development, peace, and cultural exchange.
Professor Liao Fan, Director General and Senior Fellow at the Institute of World Economics and Politics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, described the four initiatives as “a systematic response to the challenges of our time.”
He said they aim to build “a fair, equitable, and inclusive international order” by promoting cooperation beyond zero-sum competition.
Prof. Fan also noted that together, the initiatives form “the four pillars of global stability and cooperation,” offering practical solutions to deficits in development, peace, and governance.
He emphasized Africa’s central role in advancing these frameworks, calling it “the heart of the Global South,” and praised the China–Rwanda partnership as “a vivid example of a community with a shared future for mankind.”
Prof. Wang Yongzhong, Director of the World Energy Department at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, shared lessons from China’s remarkable economic growth.
He highlighted how reforms, infrastructure investment, and openness fueled China’s rise from a closed, agrarian economy to the world’s second largest.
Prof. Wang emphasized that Africa and China are “highly complementary economies,” with Africa’s rich natural resources and young labor force aligning with China’s industrial and technological capacity.
Prof. Wang noted that Africa receives “around 40–45 percent of China’s global aid” and that Chinese foreign direct investment has driven industrialization, energy access, and connectivity across the continent.
Reforming global governance for inclusion
Dr. Felicien Ufitumukiza, Deputy CEO of the Rwanda Governance Board (RGB), called for “profound reforms of international organizations” to make them more inclusive and equitable.
He argued that “no country is big enough to succeed alone” and urged for Africa’s “active participation and representation in global decision-making.”
Dr. Ufitumukiza, presented Rwanda’s home-grown Governance Scorecard as a model for accountability and self-assessment, saying it serves as “a practical tool for driving policy reform and improving institutional performance.”
Africa’s opportunity for green and digital growth
Kenyan scholar Dr. Adhere Cavince, an international relations expert, said the Global Development Initiative holds “particular significance for Africa” by supporting the continent’s ambitions in poverty reduction, digital transformation, and green energy.
He applauded China’s “zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries” and cited renewable energy partnerships as evidence of China’s role in “transforming African livelihoods.”
Dr. Cavince also emphasized technology transfer, saying, “It is only through this kind of collaboration that Africa can drive industrialization and create jobs for its young population.”
Cooperation for shared peace and stability
Dr. Ismail Buchanan, a senior lecturer at the University of Rwanda, reflected on the Global Security Initiative, describing it as a framework for “shared responsibility and mutual stability.”
He noted that Africa’s conflicts make “security a central challenge to development” and called for partnerships based on “dialogue rather than confrontation.”
Nicholas Dweh Nimley, Managing Editor of the South Liberia Post, said China’s four initiatives offer “pathways to real transformative progress” for countries like Liberia.
He explained that the GDI aligns closely with Liberia’s priorities in “agriculture, rule of law, education, sanitation, and tourism.”
Nicholas cited China-funded projects such as the National Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Laboratory, as well as investments in “roads, hospitals, and the Capitol Building extension.”
He added that Liberia has “sent 22 agricultural experts to China to learn about food preservation” and praised China’s support in “media training and broadcasting infrastructure” as a means to strengthen cultural ties and counter negative stereotypes.
The session was moderated by Gerald Mbanda, Founder of Africa-China Review.
Virgile Rwanyagatare, Director General for Asia, Pacific and Middle East at Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the GCI as an opportunity to deepen cooperation for the benefits of both countries’ people.
Meanwhile, China’s Ambassador to Rwanda, Gao Wenqi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with African nations under the Four Global Initiatives proposed by President Xi Jinping.
Highlighting China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with trade hitting $295.6 billion in 2024 among others, Amb. Gao noted that the initiatives have “moved beyond concept to practice, delivering tangible results across Africa.”
