By Senior Editor, China Africa News
Shanghai, July 21,2026 — China is seeking to deepen its technological cooperation with Africa, with Beijing presenting artificial intelligence as a new area of partnership with developing countries.
Speaking at the World AI Conference in Shanghai, Chinese President Xi Jinping said China was ready to work with other nations to promote wider access to artificial intelligence and avoid a situation where advanced technology is controlled by only a few countries.
Xi announced that China would establish artificial intelligence cooperation centres with the African Union and other regional organisations, while providing thousands of training opportunities for developing countries over the coming years. Beijing also said it would expand the use of AI-powered weather forecasting systems to support climate resilience and disaster preparedness in partner countries.
“AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” Xi said, calling for greater collaboration in the development and governance of artificial intelligence.
The move comes as China increases its engagement with African countries in areas ranging from digital infrastructure and telecommunications to renewable energy and scientific research. Beijing has increasingly promoted technology cooperation as part of its broader relationship with Africa, where it remains one of the continent’s largest trading partners and a major source of infrastructure investment.
Chinese officials say cooperation on AI can help developing countries improve public services, agriculture, education and healthcare. However, analysts say Africa’s ability to benefit from such technologies will depend on factors including internet access, digital skills, data protection frameworks and investment in local innovation.
The latest announcement reflects Beijing’s wider effort to strengthen its influence in global technology discussions and position China as a key partner for countries seeking alternatives to Western-led technology ecosystems.
