Addis Ababa, September 27, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Belete Molla, has described the China–Africa partnership as “not merely transactional, but transformational,” highlighting its role in reshaping futures and redefining global development narratives.
His remarks came during the China–Africa Innovation Cooperation Day held in Addis Ababa on Friday, where science, technology, and innovation (STI) were spotlighted as the bridge for advancing a shared future between the two sides.
The gathering brought together more than 200 participants, including diplomats, experts, and entrepreneurs from over 10 African nations, China, and international organizations. Organized under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the event featured forums on sustainable development, smart and green city construction, and new energy cooperation, along with an exhibition showcasing innovative technologies.
China’s Minister of Science and Technology, Yin Hejun, outlined the robust progress already made, including intergovernmental STI agreements with over 10 African countries, new cooperative mechanisms, and training programs for thousands of African technical and management staff. He proposed three pathways for future collaboration: aligning innovation strategies, expanding people-to-people exchanges, and forging pragmatic cooperation in areas such as space information technology, artificial intelligence, and traditional medicine.
Yin reaffirmed China’s commitment to building “an all-weather community with a shared future for China and Africa in the new era,” stressing that science and technology should serve as the bridge for this joint future.
Belete Molla, meanwhile, pointed to the tangible outcomes of the partnership, citing landmark infrastructure projects and scientific advancements. “Together, we are charting a course toward common prosperity and a more equitable international order,” he said.
He praised the 10 major cooperation plans announced at the 2024 FOCAC, noting Ethiopia’s active implementation, and thanked China for supporting Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative as well as its accession to BRICS and the New Development Bank.
African Union Commissioner for Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, Gaspard Banyankimbona, added that the partnership aligns with the AU’s Continental Education Strategy and Agenda 2063.
He announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding on scientific and technological cooperation, paving the way for collaboration in agriculture, health, ICT, energy, and the environment, ENA reported.
“This event builds directly on the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit and sets the stage for the upcoming China–Africa Innovation Forum in Wuhan,” Banyankimbona said, stressing that innovation is not an optional luxury but an essential driver of inclusive growth and dignity.