Beijing:A robot directing traffic or cleaning a floor, a farmer using drones, a shopper making digital payments, and a worker collaborating with machines are everyday scenes in China, illustrating the country’s technological transformation. Technologies once considered science fiction are now integral to production, mobility, commerce, education, and daily life.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, China’s tech revolution is driven by Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, 5G, cloud computing, big data, and advanced manufacturing. The AI industry in China surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan (179 billion dollars) by 2025, with over 6,600 AI companies operating in the country by June 2026. Beijing’s ‘AI Plus’ initiative aims to integrate AI across various sectors, as emphasized by President Xi Jinping during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit.
The summit highlighted the potential for China to share its technological experience with Africa. President Xi announced plans to build a digital technology cooperation center and initiate 20 digital projects in Africa. The goal is to ensure that both China and Africa, which together account for one-third of the world’s population, are not left behind in global modernization efforts.
China’s experience demonstrates how digital technologies can enhance infrastructure, manufacturing, services, and human skills. AI is used in factories to monitor equipment and optimize processes, while robots handle repetitive tasks. China’s extensive digital infrastructure, with millions of 5G base stations, supports these advancements.
The 2025-2027 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation action plan focuses on digital transformation and includes cooperation in areas like 5G, smart cities, e-commerce, and robotics. The plan aims to bridge the AI and digital divide, emphasizing data security, privacy protection, and responsible technology use.
For African countries like Nigeria, the challenge lies not only in importing Chinese technologies but also in integrating them to boost domestic productivity. Nigeria’s Communications Minister, Bosun Tijani, has pointed out structural connectivity issues due to under-investment. Project BRIDGE aims to address these gaps by expanding open-access fiber infrastructure.
China’s experiences in transport, energy, agriculture, and traditional industries provide useful examples for Africa. Electric vehicles and intelligent transport systems are becoming common in urban China, and similar technologies could alleviate challenges in African cities. In industries like food processing and water management, China combines traditional methods with modern technology, offering potential models for Africa.
Agriculture is another area where Chinese technology can be applied. Drones, sensors, and AI are utilized in China to improve agricultural efficiency and sustainability. Projects like the China-supported Giseke Irrigation Project in Rwanda showcase how technology can enhance agricultural infrastructure.
In healthcare, China’s advancements in AI-assisted imaging and telemedicine offer potential solutions for African countries facing specialist shortages. Similarly, AI-powered education platforms can expand access to emerging disciplines for Africa’s young population.
The rise of digital commerce in China, with online retail sales reaching 15.97 trillion yuan in 2025, illustrates the potential for African businesses to access broader markets. This is particularly relevant in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to enhance intra-African trade.
While China’s technological ecosystem provides valuable lessons, the conditions for its rapid adoption differ from those in Africa. African nations must adapt these technologies to their unique circumstances, focusing on infrastructure, skills, and institutional development to ensure sustainable growth.