In January 2026, the Chinese mainland and Africa celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties. Nowhere is this milestone more visible than in Ghana, where cooperation has shifted from symbolic gestures to tangible projects driving economic transformation.
From Agreements to Asphalt
In a recent episode of The Hub, Wang Guan spoke with Augustus Tanoh, Presidential Adviser and Head of Ghana’s 24H+ Secretariat, and Nana Bene, CEO of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. They highlighted:
- Infrastructure Financing: New ports, roads and energy facilities backed by Chinese mainland banks are easing trade bottlenecks and boosting local industry.
- 24-Hour Economy Strategy: Ghana’s 24H+ plan, developed in partnership with the Chinese mainland, aims to keep key urban areas active around the clock, stimulating jobs and services.
- Industrial Growth: Joint industrial parks and special economic zones are creating hubs for manufacturing, technology and agriculture processing.
These initiatives underscore a broader shift: engagement between the Chinese mainland and Africa is increasingly seen as a collaborative path to shared growth, rather than zero-sum competition.
What Lies Ahead
As global uncertainty rises, Ghana’s model offers lessons for other African nations. By combining local strategies with infrastructure financing and capacity-building, cooperation can deliver real-world impact.
Looking forward, experts on The Hub agree that sustaining momentum will require transparent project management, environmental safeguards and digital innovation. If successful, this deepened partnership could redefine relations between the Chinese mainland and Africa for the next 70 years and beyond.
For young entrepreneurs, thought leaders and travelers, the Ghana story highlights how targeted partnerships can spark economic dynamism across cultures and continents.
Reference(s):
Why China–Africa Ties Matter More Than Ever: China–Ghana Cooperation
cgtn.com
