February 11, 2025

China-Africa Relations: China Supports Africa’s Technological Growth and Offers Scholarships to Ghanaian Students

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Tong Defa

China has reiterated its commitment to supporting Africa’s technological development, with a particular focus on Ghana, as the continent seeks to align itself with global trends in innovation. His Excellency Tong Defa, the new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People’s Republic of China to Ghana, discussed this vision during an exclusive interview with ModernGhana News. The ambassador’s comments came on the heels of the Chinese Embassy’s recent initiative to award scholarships to over 40 Ghanaian students, providing them with the opportunity to study the Chinese language. This gesture is part of China’s broader effort to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties with Ghana.

Ambassador Tong emphasized the importance of China’s relationship with Ghana, describing it as “very dear.” He underlined China’s ongoing support for Ghana’s youth, particularly in the area of technology. This commitment is part of a larger collaboration outlined in the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027), developed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing in September 2024. The plan identifies key areas for mutual growth, including political cooperation, peace and security, and the promotion of governance modernization, as well as cultural exchange between China and Africa. It aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and outlines strategies to accelerate agricultural modernization, boost industrialization, enhance energy and trade sectors, and prioritize talent development, particularly for youth and women. The plan also emphasizes the importance of sustainable development, in line with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda.

Recognizing the transformative power of technology, Ambassador Tong praised Ghana’s focus on technological advancement and vocational training. He highlighted that technology will play a central role in Africa’s development, especially as the continent aims to address its economic and infrastructural challenges. He reassured Ghana that China intends to intensify its support for the country’s technological initiatives. With 2026 marked as the year for people-to-people exchanges between China and Africa, Ambassador Tong expressed China’s eagerness to play an active role in enhancing Ghana’s technological capacity and contributing to its overall development.

One of the key projects that illustrate this commitment is the collaboration with the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana. The Chinese Embassy, in partnership with the Institute, has awarded scholarships to Ghanaian students in various categories to study Chinese language and culture. The scholarships aim to create stronger cultural and educational ties between China and Ghana while equipping students with skills that will enhance their understanding of China and foster deeper cooperation between the two nations. The Confucius Institute, under the leadership of Professor E. Kweku Osam, has been pivotal in this endeavor. The Institute serves as a hub for studying Chinese language, culture, and philosophy, and is a key player in promoting mutual understanding between China and Africa.

In his interview, Ambassador Tong emphasized that these scholarship programs are just one example of China’s ongoing efforts to support Ghana’s educational and technological development. He reiterated China’s firm commitment to empowering Ghana’s youth, particularly in areas that foster innovation and technological growth. The ambassador also stressed that the development of these areas will play a significant role in ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for the people of Ghana.

Looking ahead, Ambassador Tong expressed optimism about the future of Sino-Ghanaian relations. He noted that the collaboration between the two countries in education, technology, and culture will pave the way for stronger ties and more meaningful partnerships. With China’s continued support for Ghana’s technological and educational initiatives, Ambassador Tong believes the partnership will lead to long-term benefits for both countries, fostering greater cooperation in various sectors.

As both nations look toward the future, China’s unwavering commitment to supporting Ghana’s development, particularly in the fields of technology and education, is clear. Through ongoing scholarship programs, people-to-people exchanges, and strategic collaborations, China aims to empower Ghana’s youth and help the country achieve its technological and developmental goals. These efforts are expected to enhance the bilateral relationship, contributing to a stronger, more collaborative partnership between the two nations.

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