By Senior Editor,China Africa News
SHANGHAI, China,July 17,2026 — China has announced plans to establish artificial intelligence cooperation centres with regional organisations, including the African Union, as Beijing seeks to expand technology partnerships with developing countries and increase their role in the global AI conversation.
The announcement was made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai, where he outlined a series of measures aimed at promoting international cooperation on artificial intelligence. The proposed cooperation centres are intended to support exchanges, training, technology development and collaboration with regional organisations across the Global South.
The inclusion of the African Union places Africa among the regions Beijing identifies as important partners in its expanding AI diplomacy. The move builds on a broader China-Africa relationship that has increasingly included digital infrastructure, telecommunications, technology skills development and innovation cooperation.
Chinese officials have argued that developing countries should have a stronger voice in decisions shaping the future of artificial intelligence. Beijing has promoted greater international participation in AI governance, saying that access to advanced technology should not be limited to a small number of countries with the largest research and technology industries.
For African governments, cooperation centres could provide a platform for training, knowledge sharing and support in areas such as digital services, education, agriculture, climate monitoring and public administration. However, the effectiveness of the initiative will depend on how the centres are structured, which countries participate and whether programmes translate into practical benefits on the ground.
The announcement did not represent the signing of a new Africa-China AI agreement at the Shanghai conference. Instead, it forms part of China’s wider effort to build international AI partnerships and strengthen its influence in discussions over how the technology should be developed and governed.
As countries compete to shape global AI standards, Africa’s role is becoming increasingly important. With a young population, growing digital markets and expanding technology sectors, the continent has become a key focus for governments seeking partnerships in the next phase of technological development
