Following a heads of state meeting in Addis Ababa, the African Union has announced it will open a permanent mission in Beijing this year. The proposal had been set forth by the Council of Ministers in an effort to engage more directly with Africa’s largest trading partner and diplomatic ally.
Holding at least ten staff members, the mission in Beijing will feature senior officials and policy officers overseeing economic and commercial cooperation, technical cooperation, technology, science and education, culture, tourism and engagement of the Diaspora.
The move suggests growing economic and diplomatic ties between Africa and China, the latter of which has already played a pivotal role in the rapid development of infrastructure on the continent through its flagship ‘Belt and Road’ initiative.
According to the Chinese General Administration of Customs, China exported more than $150 billion worth of goods to Africa, with trade to Africa increasing during the pandemic through the export of medical protective equipment and other essential goods.
Conversely, South Africa, Angola, Democratic Republic of the Congo, The Republic of the Congo and Zambia represent the largest African exporters to China, primarily through the exportation of crude oil, raw minerals and metals.
Congo International Energy CONFERENCE 2022
The first-ever Congo International Energy Conference taking place in Brazzaville on the 15th – 17th of June 2022 will reunite regional and international government representatives and industry leaders to discuss the future role of natural gas as a regional and continental solution to address energy poverty, among many other issues.
