The 3rd Conference on Peace and Development for the Horn of Africa opened today at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, bringing together key stakeholders from across the region and beyond to chart a path toward lasting peace and sustainable development.
The high-level meeting is an initiative of the Government of the People’s Republic of China, and brings together representatives from the eight Horn of Africa countries—Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda.
Also participating are delegations from key international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), and the East African Community (EAC).
The conference was officially opened by Uganda’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs (Regional Affairs), Hon. John Mulimba, who hailed China’s continued engagement with Africa.
He commended China for its Global Security Initiative (GSI), which he said aligns with Africa’s priorities for collective security, sovereignty, and inclusive development.
“China’s approach, grounded in mutual respect, dialogue, and comprehensive solutions, provides a valuable framework for regional stability,” Hon. Mulimba stated.
H.E. Mr. Xue Bing, the Special Envoy of the Chinese Government for the Horn of Africa Affairs, led the Chinese delegation.
In his remarks, he thanked Uganda for hosting the conference and reaffirmed China’s enduring commitment to supporting peace and development in the region.
He outlined three pillars of China’s engagement: promoting dialogue to ensure peace and security; harnessing cooperation for shared prosperity; and deepening mutual learning in governance while safeguarding international justice and fairness.
“China will continue to work closely with Horn of Africa countries through military assistance, anti-terrorism support, landmine eradication, and the training of military personnel,” Mr. Xue said.
He also announced that China is ready to negotiate and sign the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development and will expand zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 percent of tariff lines for 53 African countries.
Beijing will further encourage Chinese enterprises to localize investment in Africa to enhance industrial value addition and job creation.
The three-day conference will review the progress made under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), and deliberate on priority areas including regional connectivity and infrastructure, industrial development, climate resilience, food security, multilateralism, and global governance.
The forum is expected to adopt recommendations to strengthen regional peace frameworks and unlock economic potential through coordinated partnerships.
