World Federation of Chinese Catering Industry Vice President Wu Li, Xinhua News Agency regional director Ying Qiang and Chargè de affairs Zhang Zhizhong during the 15th International Chinese catering development forum at Xinhua News Agency Africa headquarters, Nairobi on October 30, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI
China has hailed the expanding influence of Chinese cuisine in Africa, calling the food industry a powerful bridge for people-to-people ties, trade and skills development on the continent.
Chinese Minister Counsellor Zhang Zhizhong said Chinese gastronomy has “taken on the mission of sharing its culture globally,” becoming a growing force in Africa’s evolving food landscape.
Speaking in Nairobi during the 15th International Chinese Catering Development Forum, Zhang noted that Chinese eateries across Africa are not only enriching culinary experiences, but also generating employment and supporting local farmers through sourcing of products such as tea, maize and seafood.
“With this favourable atmosphere, the Chinese catering industry should further expand in Kenya and Africa to contribute fresh momentum to China-Africa cooperation,” Zhang said.
The forum, hosted at Xinhua News Agency’s Africa Regional Bureau, coincided with the 2025 Africa Championship of Chinese Cuisine at Kenya Utalii College and drew diplomats, government officials, restaurateurs and hospitality scholars.
Discussions spotlighted the growing fusion of African ingredients into Chinese dishes, expansion of culinary brands across African markets and rising demand for skills-training partnerships.
Speakers included World Chinese Cuisine Africa Competition chair Dong Zhenxiang and representatives from the Kenyatta International Convention Centre and China Food Newspaper.
A high-level roundtable of Kenyan and Chinese hospitality leaders backed initiatives to strengthen talent pipelines, develop agrifood linkages and promote culinary tourism.
Chargè de affairs Zhang Zhizhong speaks during the 15th International Chinese catering development forum at Xinhua News Agency Africa headquarters, Nairobi on October 30, 2025/LEAH MUKANGAI
Proposals included chef-exchange programmes, joint training academies and youth apprenticeship pathways.
Delegates also underscored the importance of developing strong African-Chinese food brands, supporting local enterprises through investment links, and leveraging food festivals and media platforms to deepen cultural understanding.
The meeting further pointed to cross-cultural innovation, from African-inspired dim sum to Chinese-style seafood paired with Kenyan produce, as a catalyst for new business opportunities, stronger diplomatic ties and more jobs in the hospitality ecosystem.
Zhang congratulated the organisers and participants, expressing confidence that the forum would help advance culinary excellence and “provide valuable ideas for the international development of Chinese cuisine while deepening China-Africa cultural cooperation.”
Discussions further stressed elevating brand quality, encouraging Kenyan food entrepreneurs to partner with Chinese investors, and using food festivals and media partnerships to boost cultural exchange and tourism.
