Belt And Road Initiative: China’s AI Revolution

Author: Fiifi Nettey || Freelance, Columnist Business And Financial Times

The rapid advancement of technology has brought the world closer than ever before. From the analogue era, when communication relied largely on coaxial cables, to today’s fibre-optic networks that transmit data at remarkable speeds using light, technological progress has transformed how people connect, communicate, and share information. This evolution highlights the remarkable strides humanity has made in technological innovation.

Today, information can be transmitted across the world in the blink of an eye. As the world embraces a new era of digital convergence and artificial intelligence, some countries are emerging as major forces in shaping the technological future.

China has made remarkable strides in this area, investing heavily in artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to develop innovative solutions and address complex challenges.

Its rapid technological advancement demonstrates how AI and emerging technologies are increasingly becoming central to the future of global development.

My recent visit to some key provinces in China as part of the Belt and Road Journalists Forum 2026 tour offered a firsthand glimpse into the country’s remarkable strides in artificial intelligence (AI). One notable example is Kunshan, in Jiangsu Province, which is home to the world’s first robotic shop , known as Robot 6S Store, officially opened on July 18, 2026.

Located in the International Digital Innovation Valley, the store is operated by Kunshan Digital Intelligence Technology Group and serves as a key component of the Kunshan Smart Computing Origin Communit

This initiative aims to establish a national demonstration zone for artificial intelligence (AI). The store demonstrates how robots are moving beyond industrial factories and becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life, offering visitors a fascinating and accessible glimpse into the future of AI and robotics.

One of the most fascinating experiences during my visit to the Robot 6S Store was witnessing a robot prepare coffee grown in Ethiopia, one of Africa’s renowned coffee-producing countries.

The demonstration was particularly striking, as it highlighted how advanced technology can bring together innovation and Africa’s rich agricultural heritage. It also offered an encouraging glimpse of how China views Africa as a partner in development and technological advancement.

Another impressive demonstration featured a robot roasting popcorn, which I had the opportunity to taste. The popcorn was delicious, offering a practical example of how robotics and artificial intelligence can be integrated into everyday activities to improve efficiency and convenience.

These experiences demonstrated the growing potential of technology to address everyday needs, support production, and transform traditional processes. Beyond the demonstrations, the store also features a range of related products, including 3D printers, spare parts, and accessories.

It provides after-sales maintenance and technical support while gathering customer feedback to help shape the development of future products. There are humanoid robots, robotic dogs, and AI toys.

Another remarkable stop was at AISpeech Co. Ltd., a leading Chinese enterprise specialising in artificial intelligence platforms. The company’s exhibition hall showcases its cutting-edge conversational AI technologies and large-model integrated applications across smart homes, intelligent vehicles, and smart cities.

AISpeech is at the forefront of developing technologies that enable people to interact with digital devices through voice commands, while creating AI-powered solutions that make homes smarter, vehicles more intelligent, and urban services more efficient.

These innovations allow digital systems to understand spoken instructions, provide real-time information, and support everyday activities, making life more convenient and connected.

I have come to recognise China as an important global technology partner, particularly in areas such as telecommunications, 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, digital education, and renewable energy for the world particularly to Africa

China is making significant contributions to digital development across many African countries through investments in digital infrastructure and the training of thousands of Africans in various ICT-related skills.

It is also supporting initiatives in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, software development, and digital education. From what I have witnessed, China offers valuable opportunities for Africa to learn, innovate, and accelerate its digital transformation.

In a conversation with my Ethiopian colleague, Nigatu Nebiyou Wondwosen a fellow journalist, I learned that China’s presence in Ethiopia is quite visible, particularly in the telecommunications sector. He explained that Chinese companies are supporting the development of the country’s telecommunications infrastructure.

He also mentioned Telebirr, a digital financial service just like Wechat that offers mobile money and other digital payment solutions, highlighting how technology is helping to transform everyday life in Ethiopia.

In my view, Africa must strengthen its partnerships with China, learn from its technological advancements, and explore practical ways to bridge the digital and economic gaps between the two continents. However, the next step must go beyond technology transfer and knowledge sharing.

We must transform this bridge into a sustainable economic partnership that creates opportunities, drives innovation, promotes investment, and delivers mutual benefits for businesses across both continents.