"China-Africa cooperation is more vital now than ever before. With traditional partners like the United States hesitating to offer long-term preferential trade benefits, the stability of this relationship is essential," said a South African economist.

by Ntandoyenkosi Ncube

JOHANNESBURG, March 26 (Xinhua) -- China-Africa cooperation remains "more important than ever" as African countries look to accelerate industrialization and secure sustainable economic growth, a South African economist has said.

During a recent interview with Xinhua, Joseph Upile Matola, an economist at the South African Institute of International Affairs, noted that China's role as Africa's largest trading partner is becoming increasingly strategic as other global partners show uncertainty regarding long-term trade commitments to the continent.

"China-Africa cooperation is more vital now than ever before. With traditional partners like the United States hesitating to offer long-term preferential trade benefits, the stability of this relationship is essential," Matola said, pointing to shifting global trade dynamics and Africa's need for market diversification.

Bilateral trade between China and Africa has expanded significantly over the past two decades, reaching a record of nearly 350 billion U.S. dollars in 2025. China has remained Africa's top trading partner for more than 15 years.

Matola urged African countries to move beyond importing finished consumer goods and instead leverage China's expertise in producing affordable industrial inputs to boost domestic productivity.

"Africa should take advantage of the cost-effective, productive materials China manufactures to fuel our own industrial growth," he said.

Renewable energy stands out as a primary opportunity, given China's global leadership in solar manufacturing, he noted. With Chinese technology drastically reducing solar panel costs over the last decade, Matola believes this partnership can help address Africa's chronic power shortages and support industrial expansion.

Beyond trade, Chinese firms have invested billions of dollars in manufacturing, infrastructure and energy across the continent. Matola emphasized that stronger governance and the active implementation of regional agreements, such as the African Continental Free Trade Area, are essential to maximize these benefits.

"Many countries sign protocols but fail to move from rhetorical commitment to practical implementation," he noted, calling for firmer legal and institutional frameworks to attract and protect long-term investment.

Political stability remains the cornerstone of this growth, said Matola, adding that peace and security are fundamental to sustaining the economic momentum generated by deeper cooperation with China.