Chinese automobile manufacturer Chery International has pledged to deepen its investment in South Africa’s youth through education and skills development, strengthening the growing China–Africa partnership that is increasingly focused on job creation and economic growth.
Speaking at the Chery Africa Educational Dialogue in Johannesburg recently, Chen Chunqing, executive vice president of Chery International, said the company is committed to helping young people across the continent gain critical 21st-century skills, particularly in robotics and coding.
“We will continue to support education in South Africa and across Africa so that young people are equipped with the skills of tomorrow,” Chen said. “This includes promoting children’s rights and tackling social issues such as drug abuse. Education is a long-term investment, not only for children but for the future of African economies.”
Partnerships to Bridge the Skills Gap
Chery has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) to boost digital literacy and improve access to future-oriented subjects.
Last year, the automaker invested 6 million U.S. dollars globally to improve education initiatives, and this latest pledge marks a continuation of its corporate social responsibility on the African continent.
Cheryl Weston, director at the DBE, welcomed the move, saying the partnership aligns with South Africa’s educational reforms. “The government cannot meet these needs alone. Partners like Chery and UNICEF bring resources and expertise that help us modernize our curriculum to meet labor market demands,” Weston said. “Chery’s investment gives young people a chance to learn and develop practical skills. With proper accountability, the impact will be visible in classrooms.”
South Africa is currently updating its school curriculum to integrate coding and robotics from an early age, ensuring learners are prepared for careers in industries shaped by automation, artificial intelligence, and advanced manufacturing.
Linking Education to Jobs and Industrial Growth
For many observers, Chery’s commitment goes beyond education. The initiative is part of a broader China–Africa partnership strategy that links skills development with industrial investment and job creation.
Jeremy Hopkins, deputy regional director for UNICEF in Eastern and Southern Africa, highlighted this synergy: “Private sector support is critical if governments are to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Partnerships such as this ensure that Africa’s youth are not left behind in the digital age.”
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi went further, urging Chery to establish a manufacturing and assembly plant in South Africa. He argued that such an investment would not only create thousands of jobs but also tie educational initiatives to real employment opportunities.
“By investing in local production, Chery would strengthen our economy, provide skills training linked to industry, and empower young people with both education and employment,” Lesufi said. “This is how we connect classrooms to the workplace.”
Strengthening the China–Africa Business Partnership
China has steadily increased its role as Africa’s leading trade and investment partner, with initiatives that span infrastructure, energy, digital technology, and now education. Chery’s move reflects a new dimension of the partnership—investing in human capital to support Africa’s industrial future.
Analysts say that while Chinese companies have long been associated with infrastructure development, projects like Chery’s education initiative show a strategic shift toward building long-term economic resilience in Africa. By developing youth skills and investing in local industries, China is not just exporting goods but also co-creating opportunities with Africa’s next generation.
As South Africa looks to reduce unemployment and prepare its youth for an evolving job market, partnerships like Chery’s offer a model for how business collaboration can deliver lasting social and economic value.