ECNS columnist urges BRICS to draw on China-Africa cooperation experience
In an ECNS column on the BRICS summit in New Delhi, India, the author proposed that the grouping's countries use China-Africa cooperation mechanisms to strengthen coordination among Global South states. The article examines industrial development, infrastructure financing, trade and the representation of African countries in international institutions.
Trade and financing
According to data cited in the column, China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. Bilateral trade exceeded $348 billion in 2025, up 17.7% from the previous year. In the author's view, cooperation is increasingly focused on developing manufacturing in Africa, creating local value chains and jobs.
The author also mentions the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, established in 2000. According to the publication, by 2024, more than 220,000 African specialists had received technical training under Chinese programs. The column discusses projects in agriculture, healthcare, digital connectivity and vocational education.
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Proposals for BRICS
The columnist called the BRICS New Development Bank an alternative financing channel for countries facing debt risks. According to his data, since its establishment, the bank has approved more than $40 billion in project financing in member states and partner countries, including for sustainable infrastructure initiatives in Egypt, Bangladesh and South Africa.
The author believes that BRICS countries can develop industrial parks, special economic zones, technology exchange and settlement mechanisms in national currencies in countries of Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia. He also advocated for greater representation of Africa in the UN Security Council and other multilateral bodies.
The column notes that Egypt and Ethiopia joined BRICS, while China is to chair the grouping in 2027. The author of the article is a former State Minister of Planning and Development of Ethiopia; the assessments presented are his position.
