Introduction

The 25^th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) goes beyond a mere institutional commemoration. It reflects a different vision of the world—one that is more constructive, more inclusive, and more attuned to the needs of the populations concerned. The SCO proposes an international architecture based on common security, economic cooperation, and intercultural dialogue.

In this context, Chinese President Xi Jinping’s visit to Egypt from September 1 to 2, 2026, is a highly symbolic act. The year 2026 marks the 70^th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations. Since Egypt became the first African country to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China on May 30, 1956, Sino-African people-to-people and cultural exchanges have continued to deepen.

This high-level visit unlocks new prospects for Africa’s development, including inclusive industrialization, regional connectivity and better participation in the evolving global governance system. It also lays solid groundwork for the anticipated 10^th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which is expected to be held in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo, in 2027.

1.The SCO and Multipolar Global Governance

Founded on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai, China, the SCO comprises 10 members (China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India, Pakistan, Iran and Belarus); two observer states (Afghanistan and Mongolia); and 14 dialogue partners (including Egypt). Over the past 25 years, it has exemplified the rise of multipolar governance and multilateral cooperation against unilateralism. Its cooperation framework centers on three core dimensions:

- Common security: a shared architecture to combat terrorism, transnational crime, reinforced by joint military exercises;

- Economic development: the establishment of energy corridors, rail networks, and cross-border infrastructure fostering regional integration and economic resilience;

- Intercultural dialogue: academic, cultural, and scientific exchange programs designed to bring societies closer together and consolidate a cooperative identity beyond borders.

At the “SCO Plus” meeting held in Tianjin on September 1, 2025, President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative (GGI). As China’s fourth major global initiative following the Global Development Initiative (GDI), the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and the Global Civilization Initiative (GCI), the GGI provides a constructive solution to global governance deficits.

- It advocates a more just, equitable and multipolar international order;

- It upholds the principle of sovereign equality in international relations; 

- It promotes inclusive multilateralism with the United Nations at its core.

The initiative calls on all countries to participate in global governance on an equal footing, pursue shared benefits through consultation and collaboration, and jointly build a community with a shared future for humanity.

2. The Model of High-Quality Development

The SCO’s practice of high-quality cooperation represents one of its most innovative institutional achievements. More than a slogan, it is a genuine doctrine of cooperation, linking economic growth, national sovereignty, and environmental sustainability.It rests on three essential pillars:

- Integrated infrastructure: rail corridors, modern ports, and digital platforms that redraw the map of exchanges;

- Innovation and sustainability: smart industrial zones, energy transition, and ecosystem protection;

- Balanced partnerships: cooperation that respects national sovereignty and avoids unequal dependencies.

It provides valuable intellectual and policylevel reference, offering a framework for rethinking connectivity and advancing inclusive industrialization, and enabling member states to take part in the multipolar global trend, where development quality carries greater weight than quantitative growth.

3. Xi Jinping’s Visit to Egypt: A Major Diplomatic Signal

President Xi Jinping’s visit to Cairo, goes beyond the protocol of a bilateral meeting. It reflects a broader vision in which China seeks to consolidate its strategic partnership with the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

This visit is therefore a strong diplomatic signal: it confirms Egypt’s role as a hub of civilizational exchanges and concrete cooperation. It paves the way for deeper integration of African priorities into regional agendas, particularly in industrialization, connectivity, and energy transition.

4. How Africa Can Draw Inspiration from the SCO

The SCO’s proven development and governance experience offers important inspiration for Africa’s sustainable development and sovereignty. African countries can draw targeted references rather than copying institutional models: 

- Inclusive industrialization: creating special economic zones and industrial clusters to transform African economies, generate employment, and enhance local skills;

- Regional connectivity: building railways, improving ports, and expanding digital networks to stimulate intra-African trade and integration;

- Fair partnerships: inspired by SCO’s cooperation mechanisms to diversify international partnerships, and avoid overdependence on a single partner and uphold national sovereignty.

- Innovation and knowledge: transferring skills, supporting scientific research, and training youth are essential to building a knowledge-based economy.

Africa’s future development relies fundamentally on African solutions tailored to continental realities. The SCO experience serves as a reference, empowering Africa to explore independent development paths suited to its own conditions and strategic objectives.

Conclusion

The 25^th anniversary of the SCO is not merely commemorative. It is conceived as an instrument of stability and shared prosperity, where each region can transform challenges into opportunities and embed its development in a multipolar dynamic.

Through Egypt’s strategic role as a civilizational and cultural bridge, Africa has a unique opportunity to inscribe its priorities into global agendas and dialogues. Inspired by the SCO’s experience, Africa can strengthen inclusive industrialization, develop regional connectivity, consolidate partnerships in a win-win spirit, and invest in innovation and knowledge, thus enhance its voice in global governance in the 21^st century.

About the author: 

Heribert-Label Elisée Adjovi, Governor of "Le Label Diplomatique" Magazine. Chairman of the Xi’an Think Tank for Sino-African Cooperation and Development, Chairman of African Journalists Caucus for the Global South Community Destiny. The views don't necessarily reflect those of China-Africa Institute.