At the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, conducted under the theme “A Spirit of Dialogue,” African policymakers and thought leaders have emerged as vocal proponents of China’s advocacy for multilateralism. This endorsement arrives amidst a global landscape increasingly characterized by geopolitical friction, unilateral economic measures, and restrictive trade policies.
African analysts perceive a distinct shift toward inward-looking economic postures from traditional Western partners, evidenced by rising trade tariffs, stringent visa regulations, and a reduction in overseas development assistance. In contrast, China’s commitment to an open and inclusive global economic framework is being hailed as a crucial stabilizing force for the continent. This perspective is not viewed through an ideological lens but rather as a pragmatic necessity for sustainable development.
Carlos Lopes, Professor at the University of Cape Town’s Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance, emphasized the substantive value of China’s stance. “China’s advocacy carries real weight for African nations,” Lopes stated. “It functions as a vital counterbalance to exclusionary economic blocs and unilateral decision-making processes that have historically marginalized African interests and priorities.”
The alignment between Africa and China is rooted in shared developmental objectives, including the preservation of policy space, critical infrastructure expansion, accelerated industrialization, and access to long-term development financing. This synergy was further highlighted by Chinese Vice-Premier He Lifeng’s address at the forum, which called for reinforced commitment to free trade, multilateral dialogue, and inclusive growth, alongside pledges to expand technological innovation and green development initiatives.
Olusoji Ajao, Founder and Executive Director of Nigeria’s Afrocentric Masterclass, pointed to the cooperative nature of Sino-African relations. “China’s approach resonates because it is framed around cooperation, not conditionality or competition,” Ajao noted. He described the relationship as one of economic complementarity, where China’s manufacturing prowess synergizes with Africa’s expanding consumer market, creating potential for mutual prosperity rather than rivalry.
Concrete Chinese policies, such as the zero-tariff treatment for goods originating from 53 African nations, provide tangible benefits, offering African economies vital breathing room to diversify exports and integrate into global value chains. However, experts concurrently stress that external partnerships must be matched by robust internal African cooperation and strategic engagement in global forums to secure meaningful structural change and ensure dialogue translates into substantive action.