South Africa and China Launch Joint African Modernization Initiative

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (R) with Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the G20 Leaders' Summit in Johannesburg on November 22, 2025. (Photo by Halden KROG / POOL / AFP)

South Africa and China announced a new joint initiative aimed at boosting African modernization. The initiative was announced on Sunday during the closing of the G20 summit in Johannesburg.

The text of the announcement emphasizes that the initiative will harmonize with existing frameworks such as the AU’s Agenda 2063 development goals and the African Continental Free Trade Area.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.