Canton Fair is a supply chain beacon and catalyst for Africa's growth

Editor's note: Stephen Ndegwa, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the executive director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN. 

As the 136th session of the China Import and Export Fair, known as the Canton Fair, will be held on Tuesday, it represents far more than a mere trade exhibition. Over the decades, the fair has evolved into a twice-per-year powerful engine of global supply chains, a platform for international diplomacy, and a driver of economic development across Africa.

In recent years, global supply chains have faced unprecedented challenges, from the COVID-19 pandemic to geopolitical disruptions. Through it all, the Canton Fair has remained a resilient and stable force in global trade. By showcasing the best of China's manufacturing might, the event connects more than 30,000 exhibitors with buyers worldwide, spanning over 200 countries and regions.

This global reach has proven essential for stabilizing supply chains. African businesses, for instance, have gained access to much-needed industrial machinery and electronics through partnerships formed at the fair. For example, in 2022, a Kenyan construction company, AfriGreen, secured a $3 million deal to import machinery from a Chinese supplier, allowing them to reduce project completion times by nearly 30 percent.

Moreover, the Canton Fair's digitization, which began in 2020, now attracts millions of virtual attendees worldwide, enabling even small African businesses to participate without the high costs of international travel. In the 134th session, more than 450,000 overseas buyers participated online, creating a level playing field for businesses across the globe. This digital access is particularly significant for smaller enterprises in Africa that would otherwise struggle to break into global markets.

Beyond trade, the Canton Fair has strengthened China's diplomatic relationships worldwide. In line with the Belt and Road Initiative, China has strategically used the fair to foster deeper economic ties with partner countries. China-Africa trade hit a record high of $282.1 billion in 2023, a growth largely supported by the Canton Fair.

Countries like Ethiopia have reaped significant benefits from this growing trade relationship. In 2019, Ethiopia signed a $300 million deal with Chinese companies to build industrial parks and modernize its textile industry, much of which was negotiated at previous Canton Fair events. These industrial parks have since created thousands of jobs and helped diversify Ethiopia's economy beyond agriculture.

Diplomatic ties are further strengthened through initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, which often coincides with major Canton Fair events. This dual approach of diplomacy through trade has fostered a relationship built on mutual economic growth, creating long-term partnerships between China and African nations.

Perhaps the most visible impact of the Canton Fair has been its role in improving African livelihoods through trade. African nations, many of which are rich in natural resources, have capitalized on the fair as a platform to export goods such as minerals, coffee and textiles to the vast Chinese market.

Kenya, for example, exported over 4,000 tons of tea to China in 2023, generating $220 million in revenue. Much of this trade was initiated through partnerships formed at the Canton Fair, where Kenyan tea producers met with Chinese distributors. Similarly, South Africa has been able to significantly increase its wine exports to China, with sales reaching over $70 million in 2023, thanks to deals negotiated at the fair.

At the same time, African businesses have benefited from Chinese imports that have helped modernize local industries. In 2023, Nigeria imported $20.18 billion worth of goods from China, including machinery, electronics and industrial equipment. This inflow of affordable products has enabled African businesses to lower production costs, improve efficiency, and become more competitive in global markets.

For instance, Nigeria's textile industry, which had been in decline, saw a revival thanks to affordable Chinese machinery that reduced production costs by 25 percent, allowing local producers to compete with imports from other countries.

Furthermore, the Canton Fair has encouraged African entrepreneurs to participate in technology transfer and knowledge sharing. This has led to the establishment of joint ventures, such as Rwanda's collaboration with Chinese companies in e-commerce. In 2023, Rwanda's online business sector generated $200 million in revenue, up from $50 million in 2020.

The Canton Fair's significance goes far beyond China's economic ambitions; it represents a beacon of shared prosperity for nations across the globe. With every session, the fair unlocks new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial development, providing African countries with the tools they need to diversify their economies and improve the lives of their citizens.

As we look forward to the 136th Canton Fair, it is clear that its impact is far-reaching. From strengthening global supply chains to boosting diplomatic ties and improving livelihoods in Africa, the fair has become a vital instrument of global trade and cooperation. The continued engagement with this global marketplace promises to unlock new pathways to growth, prosperity and economic independence.

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