CIFTIS 2025: How African economies benefit from China's expanding trade in services

The 2025 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) has once again served as a vital platform for global dialogue and partnership.

Under the theme "Embrace Intelligent Technologies, Empower Trade in Services," this year's fair also highlights the growing and dynamic relationship between Africa and China, moving beyond traditional trade to embrace cultural exchange, technological collaboration, and sustainable development.

Titus Nampala, CEO of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Emma Mutijima, Rwandan coffee exporter share valuable insights on how African economies can engage with China and innovate together for a shared future.

Voices from the ground:

Emma Mutijima, Rwandan coffee exporter and CEO of Phoenix Ventures Limited, emphasized the cultural and economic significance of African participation in global expos:

"This is actually my second time at CIFTIS. The first time was already a success. We met valuable partners and got to introduce Rwandan coffee to new audiences in China. This year, what really struck me is how much more diverse and dynamic the Expo has become. For us, the goal isn't just to find buyers; it's to connect with long-term partners who want to build sustainable supply chains that benefit not just our companies, but also the farmers and communities back in Rwanda."

"We are not just bringing coffee beans—we are bringing the story of our farmers, the story of our culture, and the resilience of our people. Robust platforms like CIFTIS are powerful because they allow our African brands to show the world that our products carry identity and African pride. It's more about building bridges, not just closing deals."

Titus Nampala, CEO of the Namibia Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the importance of coordination, education, and regional thinking:

"When we engage in these expos, one of the key questions is: how do you connect the two nations? How do we export our culture? And that can take various forms."

"Africa must look to start producing, sometimes that starts at home, or as a regional block. We must stop being consumers of other people's products without producing for ourselves. Sustainability and food security are crucial. We have an opportunity to learn from our Chinese partners and ensure that investment deals include technology transfer and local business involvement."

Key discussion points:

Cultural exchange as economic strategy

African participants are leveraging expos like CIFTIS to share not only products but also stories, heritage, and identity. This strengthens brand value and fosters deeper people-to-people connections.

From raw materials to value addition
There is a strong push toward beneficiating resources locally, whether it's coffee, minerals, or agricultural products. African businesses are keen to move up the value chain and build finished goods for export.

Technology transfer and innovation
Partnerships with China are increasingly focused on knowledge sharing, green technology, and digital innovation. African nations like Rwanda and Namibia are already leading in areas like mobile money, e-governance, and renewable energy.

Tourism and regional integration
Easing visa regimes, improving logistics, and marketing Africa as a collective destination are critical to boosting service trade, especially in tourism.

Africa as an innovation partner
The continent is not merely adopting technology but actively co-creating solutions suited to local contexts. From electric mobility to AI applications, African innovators are shaping the future alongside Chinese partners.

Looking ahead:

The discussion concluded with a powerful reflection on the need for Africa to "leapfrog" stages of development through strategic partnerships. As Mr. Nampala noted:

"We don't need to reinvent the wheel. We need to start with the end in mind—how can we use our resources, our youth, and our partnerships to leapfrog into the future?"

CIFTIS 2025 has once again proven that the Africa-China relationship is evolving into a multifaceted, innovation-driven partnership that values reciprocity, sustainability, and shared growth.