JOHANNESBURG -- China and South Africa on Saturday jointly launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa during the 20th Group of 20 (G20) Summit.
The following is the full text of the Initiative:
Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa
The government of the Republic of South Africa, and the government of the People's Republic of China jointly launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa on November 22, 2025, during the Johannesburg Summit of the Group of Twenty (G20). It reads as follows:
1. Preamble
1.1 We reaffirm that the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa seeks to support the implementation of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, its seven aspirations as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area and further state our unwavering commitment to the success of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) as a critical phase towards the realization of Agenda 2063.
1.2 We believe that modernization is a common pursuit and an inalienable right of all countries of the world. We call on the international community to contribute to the sustainable development of Africa so that no country is left behind on the path to modernization. We understand modernization to be both the pathway and engine of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, contributing to the economic, social and technological transformation of the African Continent, and ensuring sustainable and inclusive development for all Africans.
1.3 We commend China's eight actions for global development outlined by President Xi Jinping at the G20 Rio de Janeiro Summit, recall China's contribution to facilitating the adoption of the Initiative on Supporting Industrialization in Africa and Least Developed Countries during the G20 Hangzhou Summit, and welcome the G20 Johannesburg Summit focusing on the theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability."
1.4 We welcome the Chinese modernization as a new option for the modernization of the Global South, including Africa, commend the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation for its important contribution to Africa's modernization over the past 25 years since its establishment, speak highly of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with China announced by President Xi Jinping. Unilateral tariff actions are contributing to an increasingly protectionist environment which poses great hardships and danger for the countries of the Global South.
1.5 We commend the AU's accession to the G20 and support the AU's efforts for African integration. We also commend South Africa for putting core African priorities on the agenda of the G20 during its Presidency. Committed to the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit and the vision of open, green and clean cooperation, and guided by the principle of pursuing high-standard, people-centered and sustainable cooperation, we stand ready to better synergize the China-Africa high-quality Belt and Road cooperation with the AU Agenda 2063.
1.6 We call upon the United Nations, on the occasion of its 80th anniversary, to accelerate the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, to increase its support to Africa in terms of funding, technology and capacity building, and to enhance the voice and representation of African countries in international affairs. We appreciate the priority given to supporting the development and revitalization of Global South countries in the Global Development Initiative, and stand ready to strengthen strategic coordination within the framework of the Global Development Initiative, to promote international focus on development issues, to deepen practical cooperation, and to build a global community of development with a shared future.
1.7 In this context, we have jointly launched the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa, which supports African countries in their efforts to independently explore modernization paths suited to their national conditions, and fulfill African people's aspirations for a better life. The Initiative will also seek to support the implementation of Agenda 2063, its seven aspirations as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area.
2. Principles of Cooperation
We call upon the international community to remain goal- and action-oriented, join hands to support the cause of Africa's modernization and, in doing so, observe the following basic principles:
2.1 Justice and equitability. Respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of African countries; respecting the right of African people to independently choose their development paths and social systems; and non-interference in internal affairs.
2.2 Openness and win-win. Responding to the common aspirations of African countries to share the benefits of economic globalization through better integrating African countries into global industrial, value and supply chains, based on the principle of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit.
2.3 Putting the people first. Supporting African countries in ensuring and improving their peoples' livelihood in the course of development; upholding the rights of African people to subsistence and development; and promoting an Africa of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law.
2.4 Diversity and inclusiveness. Supporting African countries in promoting their distinctive national features and strengthening cultural confidence in the course of modernization; jointly advocating the common values of humanity; and promoting equal dialogue, mutual respect, inclusiveness and coexistence among different civilizations.
2.5 Sustainable Development. Coordinating economic development, environmental protection and social development guided by the vision of building a community of life for man and nature. Adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and supporting Africa in achieving green and low-carbon transition that is fair, just, open and inclusive.
2.6 Underpinned by peace and security. Upholding the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security; supporting "African solutions to African problems"; resolving disagreements through dialogue and consultation; eliminating the breeding ground for conflicts through inclusive development; and contributing to the early realization of silencing the guns in Africa.
3. Key Areas of Cooperation
3.1 Support Africa in Achieving Modernization That Is Just and Equitable
3.1.1 We call upon countries to support Africa in pursuing models of modernization based on their own distinctive cultural features and development needs, and call upon developing countries to enhance experience sharing and build consensus in such areas as governance, modernization, and poverty reduction.
3.1.2 We call upon all sides to embrace the principle of "Africa-initiated, Domestic Ownership, and Africa-led" in carrying out trilateral or multilateral cooperation in Africa to facilitate Africa's modernization.
3.1.3 We call for accelerated reform of the international financial system, support a greater role of African countries in global governance, as well as improved development financing for African countries, and urge multilateral financial institutions and commercial creditors to actively participate in debt relief and suspension. We support increased quotas for Africa in IFIs and support for the African Development Bank (AfDB).
3.2 Support Africa in Achieving Modernization That Is Open and Win-Win
3.2.1 We support the signing of agreements between African countries and China on economic partnership for shared development, with a view to achieving common development in a mutually beneficial manner.
3.2.2 We stress the need for countries to increase technical assistance to African countries, work together on the Program Infrastructure Development for Africa Priority Action Plan 2 (PIDA-PAP2) that is the blueprint for Africa to achieve resilient and world-class infrastructure that is the essential backbone for achieving Africa's integration and industrialization and commend the Initiative on Cooperation Supporting Modernization in Africa for laying a basis for support for PIDA-PAP2.
3.2.3 We encourage countries to enhance international cooperation on green infrastructure and green mining, increase the value added of Africa's minerals through developing smelting technologies and expanding the up- and down-stream sectors of the mining industry and the supporting infrastructure. We call for greater international cooperation to secure responsible, transparent, stable and resilient critical minerals value chains and ensure that critical mineral resources serve as a catalyst for prosperity, value chain security, greater beneficiation and value-addition in African countries, and sustainable development worldwide. We support the implementation of robust economic, social and environmental safeguards, for the benefit of local populations where these resources are abundant. We call upon countries to increase investment in renewable energy projects in Africa and participate in the upgrading of energy facilities in Africa.
3.2.4 We support countries in conducting innovation cooperation with African countries, and strengthening cooperation in key areas such as green industry, e-commerce and payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence, so as to advance high-quality cooperation.
3.3 Support Africa in Achieving Modernization That Puts People First
3.3.1 We call upon countries to support African countries in increasing the output of traditional food crops and the localized manufacturing of fertilizers, pesticides and small agricultural machinery in Africa through market-based approaches.
3.3.2 We call upon countries to continue providing financial and technical assistance for the promotion of universal health coverage, for HIV/AIDS prevention and control in Africa, and to continue supporting the development of the Africa CDC and the African Medicines Agency (AMA) and the incubation of local pharmaceutical industry in Africa.
3.3.3 We support countries in strengthening cooperation with Africa in such areas as poverty reduction and rural development, and support African countries' poverty reduction efforts in light of local conditions.
3.3.4 We encourage enterprises of all countries to expand investment in the manufacturing industry in Africa, support the development of regional value chains, advocate for a fair and equitable partnership that supports local processing and value addition of resources within Africa, fulfill their social responsibilities, and enhance experience sharing, technology transfer, and education and training.
3.4 Support Africa in Achieving Modernization That Is Diverse and Inclusive
3.4.1 We hail the philosophy of Ubuntu, pan-Africanism, the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and are ready to provide profound and lasting spiritual nourishment for the modernization drive of the Global South.
3.4.2 We commend the Global Civilization Initiative and support that cultural exchanges prevail over estrangement, mutual learning over clashes, and coexistence over superiority.
3.4.3 We encourage countries to further expand exchanges and cooperation with Africa in such areas as education, tourism, sports, youth, women, think tank, media, publishing and culture. We applaud the joint release of the Africa-China Dar es Salaam Consensus by Chinese and African scholars from 50 countries, and are ready to further expand joint research.
3.5 Support Africa in Achieving Modernization That Is Eco-Friendly
3.5.1 We reaffirm the importance of the goals and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Kyoto Protocol, the Paris Agreement, and the outcomes of COP30, and call upon all parties to respect the efforts of African countries in pursuing energy transition in a just, orderly and equitable manner based on their national conditions.
3.5.2 We call upon developed countries to take more actions to fulfill their commitments on official development assistance and climate financing obligations, and increase support for African countries in terms of funding, technology and capacity building.
3.5.3 We commend the series of practical measures taken by China under the frameworks of South-South cooperation on climate change and the Belt and Road Initiative. We call upon countries to strengthen cooperation with Africa on green development to promote the coordinated development of Africa's economy, society and the environment.
3.6 Support Africa in Achieving Modernization Underpinned by Peace and Security
3.6.1 We commend China for carrying out pioneering cooperation under the Global Security Initiative in Africa, its active implementation of the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa, and its participation in mediating regional hot-spot issues at the request of the African side, making positive contributions to Africa's peace and stability.
3.6.2 We call upon the international community to support African countries in building collective security mechanisms and support the United Nations in providing financial support for African-led peace support operations in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2719.
3.6.3 We call for greater global counterterrorism resources to be allocated to Africa and oppose politicizing counterterrorism. We also urge enhanced law enforcement cooperation with African partners to jointly combat transnational organized crimes such as drug, weapons and human trafficking.
3.6.4. We call upon increasing the representation of developing countries, African countries in particular, in the UN and its Security Council. China supports making special arrangements on the UN Security Council reform to meet Africa's aspiration as a priority.
