The Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) successfully hosted a high-level forum under the theme “Africa–China Dialogues: Reimagining Africa-China Economic Future” at the CEIBS Africa Campus in Accra. The event brought together leading economists, policymakers, scholars, and development practitioners to explore new pathways for reimagining Africa–China economic relations in an increasingly dynamic global context.
The dialogue featured the official launch of the landmark volume, Africa–China Linkages: Building Deeper and Broader Connections, co-edited by Professor Alfred Schipke, Director of the East Asian Institute (EAI), National University of Singapore and former IMF Mission Chief for China. The book, published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), explores how trade, investment, and financial flows have shaped Africa’s development and what the future of the partnership could look like amid China’s shift toward innovation-led growth.
In his keynote presentation, Prof. Schipke highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional cooperation and aligning policy priorities between Africa and China in areas such as green development, digital innovation, and sustainable finance. “The future of Africa–China relations must be grounded in mutual benefit, local ownership, and shared responsibility for inclusive growth,” he noted.
The forum also featured a thought-provoking panel discussion between Prof. Schipke and Dr. Samuel Darkwa, Governance Fellow at the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), Ghana. The panel addressed key issues including value chain integration, debt sustainability, industrial transformation, and governance reforms needed to ensure Africa benefits equitably from its engagement with China.
In his remarks, Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, emphasized the centre’s commitment to fostering dialogue, research, and policy innovation across the continent. “This forum marks a significant milestone in deepening Africa–China cooperation from a truly African-led perspective. It is not just about the past or present, but about reimagining the future — one shaped by shared prosperity, resilience, and a strong commitment to sustainable development.”
The event attracted a diverse audience, including senior government officials, development partners, academics, private sector actors, and civil society leaders. It also served as a platform to strengthen networks between African and Asian institutions through collaborative scholarship and policy engagement.
ACCPA will continue to convene high-impact dialogues and research collaborations that promote transparent, equitable, and future-ready Africa–China partnerships.
