On June 13, 2023, in Changsha, China, Amakobe Sande, the Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to China, acknowledged the significant impact of China’s contributions to improving child welfare in the Global South.

Since 2018, China has actively supported UNICEF's initiatives across 16 African nations, advancing maternal and child health programs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.

Additionally, China has contributed to cyclone response efforts in Malawi, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.

Sande highlighted the pressing issue of the digital divide affecting many African nations, where inadequate infrastructure hampers internet access and digital education.

She noted that China, as a leader in digital technology, is well-positioned to help address these challenges.

UNICEF advocates for the integration of China's renewable energy technologies into essential services for children, emphasizing the importance of stable electricity for digital education.

China's role in the "Gateways to Public Digital Learning Initiative," jointly managed by UNICEF and UNESCO, was also applauded, as the initiative receives technical and financial support from China.

At the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, held in Changsha from June 12 to 15, 2023, a memorandum of understanding was signed between UNICEF and the China-Africa Business Council (CABC).

The agreement focuses on localizing medical supply production and procurement in Africa, expanding renewable energy solutions in healthcare and educational institutions, and ensuring children’s rights are promoted within the CABC's expansive network of over 3,300 member organizations throughout Africa.

Sande expressed aspirations to link UNICEF's projects in Africa with the CABC's resources to address digital education disparities in schools.

The expo also featured a vocational education cooperation event organized by UNICEF in collaboration with Hunan's departments of education and commerce, aimed at enhancing digital skills and entrepreneurship among young individuals in China and Africa.

Additionally, a broader context of the China-Africa partnership was emphasized in conjunction with significant diplomatic engagements.

Notably, during a recent meeting in Changsha between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African diplomats, a renewed commitment to mutual trust and cooperation was reaffirmed.

The Changsha Declaration emerged from this meeting, where representatives from 53 African countries expressed a unified stance against unilateralism and protectionism, advocating for true multilateralism.

Economic indicators confirm the strengthening bond between China and African nations.

China has maintained its status as Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with trade volumes increasing significantly over the past two decades.

The most recent figures indicate that total trade value escalated from under 100 billion yuan in 2000 to approximately 2.1 trillion yuan by 2024, representing an average annual growth rate of 14.2%.

Significantly, during the current expo, over 30,000 participants, including government officials and businesses from across Africa and China, convened to explore economic cooperation, with expectations of signing numerous agreements aimed at advancing development initiatives and reinforcing bilateral ties.