When South African fashion designer Jessica Jane Molebatsi showcased her work at the recent Shanghai Fashion Week (SHFW), she was excited at the prospect of introducing her collection to such an important market. “Coming to China has opened up our eyes and our perspective to the potential markets in China,” Molebatsi said. “Fashion enthusiasts want…
A massive acid spill from a Chinese-owned copper mine in Zambia, which has caused severe environmental damage along a major river, could also cause severe diplomatic damage between the two countries, according to observers. On February 18, a tailings dam containing acid waste from the Sino-Metals Leach Zambia copper mine – which is majority-owned by…
With Chinese start-up DeepSeek poised to help accelerate the development of artificial intelligence (AI) across Africa, China has cemented its presence in the continent’s digital transformation, experts have said. But, they added, as Africa’s digital landscape speed along, it had also pushed policymakers to build governance frameworks around the new technology. Through the Digital Silk…
Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium has completed a major lithium processing plant in Mali – defying security challenges, a strict new mining code and a lithium supply market glut. China’s largest lithium producer, Ganfeng announced that the first phase of its Goulamina lithium mine, in the southern region of Bougouni, had gone live in mid-December. It…
When Rwandan President Paul Kagame spoke at the recent Doha Forum, he sang China’s praises. “We have been benefiting from the cooperation and the attitude of bringing everybody to the table where everyone feels they are winning in the process,” he said. “That is, to my understanding, what China presents.” Kagame is not alone in…
China’s special envoy for the Horn of Africa Xue Bing has visited Somalia to assure the nation of Beijing’s support, amid growing support in Washington for recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. Xue, who was appointed in 2022 to mediate regional crises, told Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that China “supports Somalia in safeguarding…
It is known as the “smartphone king of Africa” and for years has dominated the continent’s mobile phone market. But now, Shenzhen-based Transsion Holdings is facing some stiff competition from rival Chinese brands. Transsion is the company behind phone brands including Tecno, iTel and Infinix, which won over African customers with features such as multi-SIM…
Africa’s top lenders are opening branches in major Chinese cities in a race to tap into growing trade ties between China and Africa amid Beijing’s push for yuan-based transactions. This is despite threats from the US, where president-elect Donald Trump has said he will impose 100 per cent tariffs on Brics countries that pursue de-dollarisation….
Chinese companies are ready to return to Sudan at a moment’s notice, according to a Chinese official, once security and stability are restored in the northeast African nation engulfed in a civil war. Multibillion-dollar Chinese oil and gas projects have been stalled or destroyed since the fighting began in April last year. Chinese-built and funded…
Beijing’s push for renewable energy projects across Africa has been highlighted at a groundbreaking ceremony at the site of a new Chinese-led geothermal power plant project to be built in Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. State-owned energy and construction company PowerChina will build the 35-megawatt Orpower 22 geothermal plant at the Menengai Crater, with the facility…