Addis Ababa, April 21, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopian President Taye Atske-Selassie has called for placing the African Continental Free Trade Area at the center of China–Africa economic cooperation, emphasizing entrepreneurship, youth empowerment, and agro-industrial development as key drivers of shared growth.
The President made the remarks at the inaugural China–Africa Entrepreneurship Forum held in Addis Ababa, which brought together African and Chinese business leaders to explore pathways for deeper economic collaboration.
In his address, President Taye stressed that Africa seeks a partnership defined by dignity and mutual respect, underscoring that such a foundation is essential for durable relations between the two sides.
“Africa has been continuously demanding a relationship defined by dignity and mutual respect as the foundation for durable friendships; and a partnership not as an instrument of extraction but as a catalyst for collective development,” the President said at the forum.
He further highlighted the importance of anchoring entrepreneurship in agro-industry and positioning Africa’s youth at the center of development strategies. He also underscored the need to advance joint research and development initiatives to strengthen innovation-driven cooperation.
The forum was also addressed by Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, alongside participation from senior Chinese officials and business representatives, including the Ambassador of China to Ethiopia and the African Union and representatives of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.
The AU Commission Chairperson described Africa as a future engine of global growth, driven by its youthful population and untapped potential, noting that trade, private sector dynamism, and entrepreneurship remain central to the continent’s integration and development agenda.
Reflecting on over two decades of cooperation under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, he called for deeper engagement, increased Chinese investment, stronger joint value chains, and enhanced support for youth and women entrepreneurs. He further proposed institutionalizing the China–Africa Entrepreneurship Alliance to ensure concrete and measurable outcomes from the partnership.