Radio Africa Group Editorial Director Paul Ilado(5th from left) with other media leaders during the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum on China-Africa Partnership, held in Johannesburg on November 13, 2025./HANDOUT
A leading Kenyan media executive has made a passionate call for a more equitable global order, bolstered by robust China-Africa cooperation.
Paul Ilado, the Editorial Director of the Radio Africa Group, addressed the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, in Johannesburg, South Africa on Thursday, November 13, 2025, articulating a vision where deepened Sino-African partnerships are central to reforming international institutions and narratives.
Speaking on the theme “Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation,” Ilado positioned the Kenya-China relationship as a perfect example for mutual progress and a catalyst for change.
“I am honoured to stand before you today… to discuss a theme that is crucial for our times,” Ilado said.
He pointed to the huge impact of infrastructural projects like Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), a flagship initiative of China-Kenyan collaboration.
“This is a prime example of how collaboration can lead to mutual benefit,” Ilado stated, highlighting the project’s role in improving transportation, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies beyond the capital, Nairobi.
The media leader detailed the proactive role that Radio Africa Group has played in fostering the bilateral relationship between Kenya and China.
He described a concerted effort to move beyond simplistic narratives by engaging with Chinese media to share the tangible impacts of cooperation.
“By highlighting projects like the railway, we have helped to inform our audience about the benefits of Sino-Kenyan partnerships,” Ilado explained.
This, he argued, has strengthened community understanding and fostered a “sense of unity and purpose in our shared goals.”
A key part of the vibrant media collaboration, he noted, is its power to shift perceptions.
By broadcasting Kenyan success stories in culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship to Chinese and African audiences, the narrative is changing.
“This shift in narrative is essential for reforming global governance, as it encourages a more balanced view of Africa in the international arena,” Ilado asserted.
He challenged outdated stereotypes of a continent defined solely by its challenges.
He stated that his vision for reformed global governance had found a strong ally in Kenya’s national leadership led by President William Ruto.
He specifically commended President Ruto’s advocacy on the world stage.
“His advocacy for a more equitable global governance framework reflects Kenya’s commitment to ensuring that the voices of developing nations are heard,” Ilado told the forum.
He aligned President Ruto’s calls for reform at the United Nations, World Bank, and World Trade Organization with the potential of China-Africa cooperation, further suggesting that such partnerships are practical mechanisms for achieving fairer trade and development outcomes.
Looking to the future, the Editorial Director emphasised the crucial role of technology in the evolving partnership.
Taking cognisance of the rapidly digitising world, he urged participants to “harness this change to promote transparency and inclusivity.”
He envisioned joint development of platforms that facilitate deeper dialogue between nations, ensuring all perspectives contribute to the global conversation.
In closing, Ilado framed the Kenya-China partnership as more than a bilateral agreement but "as an inspirational model for the Global South."
“By working together, we can reform global governance to be more equitable and representative,” he declared.
His call to action was one of shared storytelling and continuous learning.
“As we move forward, let us continue to share our stories, learn from one another, and build a future where collaboration thrives.”
The speech played into the consensus among Global South leaders and influencers that existing international systems require significant overhaul.
Speakers at the forum positioned strategic, mutually respectful partnerships, particularly with China, as a powerful vehicle for driving the much needed change.
Among calls was to ensure that African nations have a more prominent seat at the global table, starting with a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.
