Zhou's visit to Africa had lasting effect

Leader's landmark trip led to more exchanges, infrastructure projects

Among countless high-level exchanges between China and African countries, the visit by the late premier Zhou Enlai half a century ago seems to be a special one that often finds both sides retracing its legacy.

The landmark visit, from the end of 1963 to the beginning of 1964, was the first trip to Africa by a Chinese leader after the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.