African scholars and policy experts are applauding China’s newly unveiled 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) as a strategic framework that aligns with Africa’s developmental aspirations. The economic blueprint, approved during the fourth plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China Central Committee in October, emphasizes high-standard opening-up, technological self-reliance, and green transformation—principles that resonate deeply with Africa’s industrialization goals.
Melha Rout Biel, founder of South Sudan’s Institute for Strategic and Policy Studies, characterized the plan as “a road map that reaffirms China’s commitment to working closely with the Global South.” He noted that China’s focus on high-quality engagement challenges African nations to elevate their production standards and modernize industries to participate effectively in this partnership.
The evolution from infrastructure-focused cooperation to value-added collaboration marks a significant shift in China-Africa relations. Amina Toure, a Cambridge University researcher specializing in Africa-China relations, observed that the plan’s language signals a transition toward “regulated, sustainability-oriented, and higher-value cooperation” that could benefit Africa if integrated with national industrial strategies.
Professor Carlos Lopes of the University of Cape Town highlighted that Africa’s priority has shifted from infrastructure quantity to value retention within the continent. He described China’s emphasis on “high-standard opening-up” as a “good and necessary evolution” that responds to Africa’s longstanding developmental needs, particularly regarding regional value chains and AfCFTA implementation.
International relations scholar Cavince Adhere noted that China’s consistent long-term planning provides stability amid global geopolitical uncertainties. The success of this partnership, he suggested, will depend on African governments’ ability to adapt China’s development model to their specific national contexts and populations.