As the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo opens in Changsha from June 12-15, Hunan Province is emerging as a powerhouse in sustainable, diversified China-Africa cooperation. Once seen as a landlocked inland province, Hunan now charts a new course by blending deep industrial ties, tech transfer and people-to-people exchanges.
Innovating beyond trade
\"We're not just trading anymore,\" says Khalifa Sy Diop, Director of the Mali (Hunan-Changsha) Business Center. \"We're transferring technology, industries and building companies that can stay in Africa long term.\" Unlike traditional hubs focused on goods trading, Hunan's strategy centers on the China-Africa Innovation Demonstration Park, industrial transfer zones and a pioneering policy framework for in-depth collaboration.
Logistics without borders
Despite its inland location, Hunan boasts a multimodal logistics network linking Changsha to 11 major seaports via rail and river. This seamless transport chain, from river barges and high-speed rail to highways, cuts costs and turnaround times, making Hunan a gateway for African traders and Chinese firms targeting the continent.
Data-driven growth
From 2021 to 2024, Hunan's trade with Africa surged at an average annual rate of 14.3%, outpacing the national average by over five percentage points, according to Zou Hongyan, Director of the Legal Center at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Promotion Research Society. The province also hosts China's first technical barrier review base for African exports, smoothing agri-food standards and market entry.
Agritech for food security
As the birthplace of hybrid rice, Hunan is exporting its agricultural expertise to boost food security across Africa. By 2027, the province plans to send 50 agricultural experts, train 5,000 technicians and support value chains from seed selection to distribution, making mechanized farming accessible to new regions.
Connecting minds and cultures
Hunan's universities are forging partnerships with African institutions to cultivate talent in agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure. Graduates return home with new skills, while scholarship programs and cultural exchanges deepen community-level bonds and foster long-term collaboration.
With its integrated model of tech transfer, logistics innovation and talent development, Hunan is reshaping China-Africa cooperation and setting a blueprint for sustainable, people-centric partnerships.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
