Over 300,000 participants from 53 African countries and 4,700+ companies are converging in Changsha this week for the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) – a high-energy platform fueling cross-continental collaboration. From smart mining tech to youth entrepreneurship programs, the expo’s 30+ themed events spotlight Africa’s push for modernization alongside Chinese partners.
Since 2019, CAETE has unlocked $53.32 billion in deals across agriculture, clean energy, and healthcare. This year’s edition aims to add $7 billion in new projects, with zero-tariff access for 33 African nations to boost exports like cocoa, coffee, and handicrafts in China’s massive consumer market.
Why It Matters for Gen Z
Sustainability First: Clean energy and eco-friendly tech take center stage, aligning with global youth demands for climate action. Startup Culture: Youth entrepreneurship workshops connect African innovators with Chinese tech giants and investors. Cultural Swaps: From traditional medicine to film co-productions, the expo bridges creative industries across continents.
Tech Meets Tradition
New this year: A ‘Digital Africa’ pavilion showcases AI-driven farming tools and e-commerce platforms, while a tourism zone highlights safari adventures and China’s ancient wellness practices.
As one exhibitor from Kenya told us: “This isn’t just about trade – it’s about building the Netflix of Africa-China collabs.” With deals spanning solar power plants to viral TikTok content partnerships, CAETE proves economic diplomacy can be anything but boring.
From smart mining tech to youth entrepreneurship programs, the expo’s 30+ themed events spotlight Africa’s push for modernization alongside Chinese partners.
Sustainability First: Clean energy and eco-friendly tech take center stage, aligning with global youth demands for climate action.
Startup Culture: Youth entrepreneurship workshops connect African innovators with Chinese tech giants and investors.
Cultural Swaps: From traditional medicine to film co-productions, the expo bridges creative industries across continents.
With deals spanning solar power plants to viral TikTok content partnerships, CAETE proves economic diplomacy can be anything but boring.
