Monday, 25 May 2026
Chinese FM embarks on key African tour to boost economic ties
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will embark on a significant multi-nation tour of Africa starting Wednesday, as China aims to deepen its trade, investment, and infrastructure partnerships with the continent. The week-long tour will include stops in Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, and Lesotho, continuing until mid-month.
This visit underscores China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, which seeks to enhance connectivity and promote economic growth across Africa. High on the agenda are boosting trade ties, expanding investment — particularly in critical sectors like mining and transport — and developing major infrastructure projects.
Minister Wang’s stop in Somalia is particularly notable, marking the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to the country since the 1980s, a move expected to bolster diplomatic and development ties.
In Tanzania, China plans to ramp up investment in the mining sector, building on the momentum from last November’s historic visit by the Chinese Premier — Tanzania’s first high-level visitor from China in 28 years. China is also constructing the TAZARA railway, strengthening links between Tanzania and neighboring Zambia.
Lesotho will be a key focus for trade talks, as Beijing seeks to channel part of a $19 billion investment package pledged at the 2024 China-Africa-Arab Summit towards some of the world’s poorest nations.
The tour reflects Beijing’s growing role as a major development and investment partner in Africa, and is expected to further solidify China-Africa relations for years to come.