Senior officials, experts, and diplomats across Africa voiced strong support for deepening cooperation with China in science, technology, and innovation during the China-Africa Innovation Cooperation Day held at the African Union headquarters. The event, under the theme “New Opportunities for Innovation Cooperation: Joining Hands to Realize Modernization,” spotlighted how this partnership is already reshaping Africa’s development path.
Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, emphasized that the collaboration with China is much more than diplomatic alignment, it’s becoming a “living model” of transformation. He stressed that Africa must engage cutting-edge technologies such as AI and cybersecurity to ensure its citizens are not left behind in the digital revolution.
Also speaking was Gaspard Banyankimbona, Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation at the AU. He underscored that science and innovation are essential for driving resilience, inclusive growth, and dignity across the continent. Banyankimbona called the China-Africa cooperation grounded in mutual learning, equity, and shared accountability, with growing promise in sectors like agriculture, digital infrastructure, and water management.
The gathering included seminars and an exhibition focusing on sustainable development, new energy, and innovation solutions. It also served as a platform for policymakers and technologists to explore practical collaborations that can help fast-track modernization and align with Africa’s development aspirations.
