China Africa Relations: China rallies Africa’s technological development, offers scholarships to Ghanaian students

China has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing Africa’s technological development, with a particular focus on Ghana, as the continent strives to align with global innovation trends.

His Excellency Tong Defa, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to Ghana, emphasized this during an exclusive interview with ModernGhana News. The ambassador's remarks followed the Chinese Embassy’s award of scholarships to over 40 Ghanaian students to study Chinese, a move aimed at fostering stronger bilateral ties and cultural exchange.

Ambassador Tong Defa stressed the importance of China’s relationship with Africa, particularly Ghana, describing it as “very dear.” He affirmed China’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s youth in areas such as technology, noting that this support is part of a broader collaboration outlined in the Beijing Action Plan (2025–2027). This action plan, developed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024, highlights several key areas for partnership.

The plan focuses on strengthening political collaboration, peace, and security, while also promoting modernization in governance and cultural exchange. It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and emphasizes the importance of accelerating agricultural modernization, supporting industrialization, and prioritizing energy and trade. Additionally, it underscores the need for talent development, the empowerment of women and youth, and efforts toward sustainable development, which align with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.

Acknowledging the transformative potential of technology, Ambassador Tong described it as a key driver for Africa’s developmental aspirations. He commended Ghana’s efforts to prioritize technological and vocational training and reaffirmed China’s intention to enhance these initiatives. He noted that 2026 is designated as the year for people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa, and in this spirit, China is poised to deepen its support for Ghana’s development.

In collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, the Chinese Embassy has awarded scholarships to students in various categories for the study of the Chinese language. This initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. The Confucius Institute, a hub for studying Chinese language, culture, and philosophy, operates under the visionary leadership of Professor E. Kweku Osam and continues to serve as a bridge for fostering mutual understanding and cooperation.

Ambassador Tong reiterated China’s dedication to empowering Ghana’s youth, fostering technological growth, and deepening bilateral ties, affirming that these collaborative efforts will pave the way for a stronger future.