#Johannesburg #South Africa #Global Governance #China Africa Cooperation #International Partnership

China-Africa Partnership Conference: A Step Towards Enhanced Global Governance

On November 13, 2025, the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum hosted the China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. This significant event aimed to explore methods to bolster cooperation between China and Africa, thereby amplifying the collective voice and influence of the Global South in global governance.

A Gathering of Minds

The conference attracted more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, governmental organizations, and other institutions across China and 41 African nations, including notable participation from the African Union (AU). With the theme "Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation," this gathering sought to highlight the essential role that media and think tanks play in shaping a more inclusive global governance landscape.

In his keynote address at the opening ceremony, Lyu Yansong, the editor-in-chief of the Xinhua News Agency, emphasized the importance that Chinese President Xi Jinping places on fostering China-Africa cooperation. Lyu referenced Xi’s earlier statements at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit, where he articulated the desire to elevate China-Africa relations to a community with a shared future. He urged participants to harness their expertise to position the Global South as a stabilizing force in international affairs and to promote mutual development through academic collaboration and authoritative media representation.

Voices of Unity and Purpose

Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa's Independent Media, echoed the sentiment, presenting the China-Africa partnership as a model of genuine cooperation founded on mutual respect and shared objectives. This perspective underlines the ongoing transition within the global order as increasing voices from the Global South demand fair representation and the right to dictate their developmental paths.

The AU’s director of information and communication, Leslie Richer, discussed Africa’s ambition to transition from merely a participant in conversations on global issues to a co-author in shaping humanity’s narrative. Richer expressed the need for stronger collaboration among media and think tanks to promote Africa's interests in discussions surrounding climate change, finance, and digital governance.

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa, Wu Peng, noted the historical ties and shared missions between China and Africa as pillars of the Global South. He stressed that media and think tanks are vital in strengthening the solidarity and cooperation necessary to promote the shared vision for future development.

Deep Discussions and Comprehensive Planning

Throughout the conference, participants engaged in detailed discussions on key themes such as "China-Africa Commitments to Global Governance Reform," "China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalization," and "China-Africa Exchange in Global Civilizational Coexistence." These discussions underscored the evolution of China-Africa relations into a progressive model of international partnership, driving the modernization efforts across the Global South.

Ismaila Ceesay, the Gambian information minister, highlighted the importance of inclusivity and representation in the future of global governance, indicating that China's support in areas such as technology transfer and media training plays a crucial role in achieving those goals.

Speakers like Xu Xinfu from China Energy Investment Corporation reiterated China’s commitment to supporting African nations through infrastructure development and training initiatives, helping enhance energy security within the continent. Similarly, Shen Yumou from Hunan's provincial commerce department expressed the province's eagerness to facilitate mutual development with Africa, focusing on enhancing trade relations and sharing technological advancements.

Conclusion: A Path Forward

The forum not only fostered rich dialogues but also presented vital reports and initiatives, such as the think tank report titled "Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership" and the launch of the "United in Heart, Path and Action" communication network. These initiatives are pivotal steps toward refining global leadership roles and ensuring the Global South's narrative is robustly represented in the international community. The China-Africa Partnership Conference marks a significant milestone in the ongoing journey towards establishing a fairer, more inclusive global governance system.