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Uganda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gen Odongo Jeje Abubakhar, addressed the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Follow-Up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha City, Hunan Province, China.
The meeting was opened by China’s Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, who proposed five key initiatives to enhance China-Africa cooperation.
These included mutual support for the Global South, promoting international free trade, advancing global development through cooperation, defending an equitable international order, and encouraging cultural exchange to foster diversity.
Minister Wang also read a congratulatory message from Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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In his message, President Xi announced that 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China would benefit from zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines.
He emphasised China’s commitment to facilitating exports from the least developed African countries and advancing 10 partnership actions to strengthen the China-Africa relationship.
Odongo thanked China for hosting the meeting and highlighted Uganda’s successes under FOCAC
In his address, Odongo thanked China for hosting the meeting and highlighted Uganda’s successes under FOCAC.
He referenced major infrastructure projects, including the Kampala-Entebbe Expressway and the Karuma and Isimba Hydropower Plants, as significant achievements of the partnership.
He also acknowledged the support FOCAC has provided through concessional loans and grants, particularly in agriculture and social projects, which are crucial for Uganda's Agro-Industrialization and Inclusive Growth Agenda.
Furthermore, Odongo outlined Uganda’s 10-fold growth strategy, focusing on Agro-Industrialization, tourism, mineral development, oil and gas, and the advancement of the knowledge economy.
He emphasised the importance of digital infrastructure, industrial parks, human capital development, critical road infrastructure like the Kibuye-Busega Highway, and initiatives like irrigation for agricultural stability.
On the sidelines, Odongo met with Chen Xiaodong, Chair of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), to discuss ongoing projects funded by China and explore new funding opportunities to support Uganda’s National Development Plan (NDPIV) and economic growth objectives.
At the conclusion of the meeting, China and Africa issued the China-Africa Changsha Declaration, reinforcing their commitment to solidarity and cooperation for the Global South.
They also released the outcomes of the Beijing Summit's follow-up actions and plans for the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, marking a step forward in their enduring partnership.