Author: Fiifi Nettey Freelance Journalist // Columnist Ghana West Africa
Surprisingly, it was my first time witnessing a robot prepare coffee in a robotic store. So far, the only place where I experienced this remarkable blend of technology and convenience is the Robot 6S Store in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China.
Honestly, my Ethiopian colleagues, Zekarias Sintayehu Nigatu and Nebiyou Wondwosen, were delighted to witness coffee grown and harvested in their homeland being brewed by a robot in China. Their expressions reflected deep pride, gratitude, and admiration as Ethiopia’s world-renowned coffee met China’s technological innovation.
It was a moment of genuine fulfilment, reflected in the faces of my colleagues, as we witnessed firsthand how a single experience can reveal the vast possibilities of an entire economic relationship. For them, its a memorable moment unfolding in Kunshan, Jiangsu Province, China, where they had the opportunity to taste Ethiopian coffee prepared by a robot at what was introduced to them as the world’s first Robot 6S Store.
The experience was remarkable. The coffee beans had been grown in their homeland, Ethiopia, roasted in China, and prepared using advanced robotic technology.
“Although thousands of kilometres separated the coffee’s place of origin from where it was being enjoyed, its familiar taste brought a cherished piece of home remarkably close” Zekarias Sintayehu .
What touched them most was witnessing a product deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture cross international borders and find a new home in China. Yet, beyond the emotional significance of the moment, an important question comes into ones mind: Are we likely to see more Chinese investments accross Africa?
They believe the answer lies in moving beyond the traditional export of raw coffee beans towards a more comprehensive partnership that encompasses value addition, technology transfer, industrial development, and investment across the coffee value chain.
“Ethiopia as we all know is widely recognised as the birthplace of coffee. For Ethiopians, coffee is far more than an agricultural commodity; it is an integral part of our history, cultural identity, and hospitality. The traditional Ethiopian coffee ceremony brings families, neighbours, friends, and guests together. Sharing a cup of coffee is an expression of welcome and respect, providing an opportunity for meaningful conversations, stronger relationships, and a sense of community.” Zekarias said
Against this cultural backdrop, tasting coffee grown in their homeland but roasted and prepared in Kunshan meant much more than enjoying a good cup of coffee. It symbolised a connection between two countries, two cultures, two people, and two continents. It also demonstrated how a shared product, when combined with innovation and technology, could create new opportunities for cross-cultural understanding, trade, investment, and mutually beneficial economic cooperation.
I shared that same sense of pride. Seeing one of Africa’s most prestigious coffee brands represented on the global stage, showcased through cutting-edge technology and innovation, was truly remarkable. It was a powerful moment that brought together Ethiopia’s rich coffee heritage and China’s technological advancement, demonstrating how tradition and innovation can complement each other while introducing Africa’s finest products to the world in new and exciting ways.
During the tour, I learnt that Kunshan accounts for approximately 60 per cent of China’s coffee roasting, despite not producing coffee beans locally. This is a remarkable example of how a city can establish itself as a major industry hub without cultivating the raw product, by investing in processing capabilities, technology, logistics and commercial networks. It demonstrates how value can be created by transforming and processing products sourced from other regions, offering valuable lessons for African countries seeking to move beyond raw material exports towards local processing, industrialisation and value addition.
“The cup I tasted brought together Ethiopian industrial capability center. It showed how countries can connect their different strengths to create new opportunities” Zekarias said
However, the true achievement lies not in how impressively a robot brews coffee, but in whether this partnership drives sustainable investment, creates jobs, strengthens Ethiopian businesses, and delivers greater value to the farmers who grow the beans, Zekarias added.
Zekarias Sintayehu indicated that Ethiopian and Chinese companies could collaborate in coffee roasting, quality assessment, packaging, traceability, and product development. Training programmes and partnerships with educational institutions could further equip Ethiopian workers and entrepreneurs with practical skills.
He emphasized that such cooperation must address Ethiopia’s actual needs. While advanced automation may be suitable in some contexts, improvements in storage, equipment, quality control, and packaging may offer more immediate benefits in others. Ultimately, success should be measured by increased productivity, competitiveness, and sustainable economic value—not technology for its own sake.
“Coffee can also deepen cultural relations. Ethiopian coffee ceremonies, tasting events, exhibitions and coffee tourism could help Chinese consumers understand the traditions behind the product. In Ethiopia, coffee tourism could connect visitors with farming communities and local culture, creating additional opportunities for small businesses and tourism operators” Zekarias lamented
“For me, this cup of Ethiopian coffee represents a bridge between Ethiopia and China. The next step is to turn that bridge into a lasting economic partnership—one that benefits farmers, businesses, workers and consumers in both countries” he concluded.
This story goes far beyond a robot brewing coffee at the Robot 6S Store. It reflects the growth and evolving impact of the Belt and Road Journalists Network, which continues to broaden journalists’ perspectives, particularly those from Africa, by showcasing real developments and experiences across the China.
The forum brought together 100 journalists from 50 countries across the world, building bridges and fostering partnerships among media professionals from different countries. It provides a valuable platform for journalists to witness China’s technological innovations and developmental achievements firsthand. Through these experiences, we can produce evidence-based stories that highlight positive transformations across the Global South, promote cross-cultural understanding, showcasing collaboration in businesses and strengthen international cooperation.
He Ping, President of the All-China Journalists Association and Presidium member of the Belt and Road Journalists Network, emphasized in Nanjing, Jiangsu, the importance of journalists documenting the transformations taking place across the Global South, including countries’ pursuit of independent development paths, preservation of cultural heritage, and efforts to promote unity, self-reliance, and progress.
“We must tell the stories of profound transformation across their vast lands, document the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations, and reflect their tireless efforts towards unity,” Ping said .
He Ping added that the stories of the Global South should be seen, its voice heard, its interests protected and its contributions recognized.
Mr. Puy Kea Rotating President of the Presidium, Belt and Road Journalists Network President of the Club of Cambodian Journalists also called for more inclusive representation and greater recognition of the voices of the Global South, stressing that global governance must better reflect the perspectives and interests of developing countries.
Beyond journalism, such exchanges create opportunities for investment, technological innovation and economic partnerships that can contribute to the development of participating countries.
They also provide a platform for sharing positive stories and highlighting the progress being made across the Global South, encouraging other nations and international partners to explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.
The simple act of a robot brewing coffee carries a powerful message for Africa: the continent must embrace strategic partnerships with China to accelerate technological advancement, stimulate economic growth, create jobs and improve livelihoods. Through mutually beneficial cooperation, Africa can unlock new opportunities, strengthen its industrial capacity and accelerate efforts to lift millions of people out of poverty.
With Africa’s youthful population offering a significant advantage, the continent must strengthen its engagement with China, particularly in technology transfer, skills development and innovation. By learning from China’s development experience and sharing success stories, African countries can equip their young people with relevant skills, create employment opportunities, stimulate industrial growth and build resilient, sustainable economies.
Africa holds enormous potential, and its role in shaping the future of global development cannot be overlooked. Through mutually beneficial partnerships with China, the continent can harness technology, innovation and knowledge sharing to accelerate transformation, move millions of people out of poverty and reduce technological dependence while strengthening self-reliance.
The future of Africa depends largely on strategic partnerships, knowledge exchange and technological advancement, with China positioned as a potential key partner in the continent’s quest for sustainable development and economic prosperity.
Ultimately, as a new global order takes shape, Africa must seize the opportunity to position itself strategically within the changing international landscape. Deepening partnerships with emerging economies, particularly through BRICS, could help accelerate industrialisation, create jobs, reduce poverty and drive the continent towards a more prosperous and self-reliant future.
At this years Belt and Road Journalists Forum, held on October 12 to 17 2026, at Nanjing Hall of the International Youth Convention Hotel in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China, participating journalists expressed deep facial admiration for the country’s remarkable development and the experiences gained during their tour of some places.
