The Belt and Road Initiative advanced by President Xi Jinping is a grand proposal based on the great practices of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. It aims to further push forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and to jointly build a community of a shared future for humankind with all countries over the world. The initiative is deeply rooted in the maritime and land-based Silk Road in ancient China, just as socialism with Chinese characteristics is based on China’s conditions and derived from Chinese history and culture. Zheng He’s voyages to the Western Ocean in the early 15th century made huge progress from the Maritime Silk Road formed in the Han dynasty, established friendly China-Africa relations, and deepened mutual exchanges in politics, economy, culture, and technology. By carrying forward the essence of traditional Chinese culture, Zheng He’s voyages shaped a new look of the Maritime Silk Road prior to his time, and brought the road to its prime period of development. Based on combined research of history and reality, this report illustrates the significance of Zheng He’s voyages to Africa and co-construction of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road to the building of a community of a shared future for humankind.