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China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation:Building the Groundwork for a Better Future
China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation:
Building the Groundwork for a Better Future
By: Yi Xin
When speaking of China-Africa cooperation, the word “kaleidoscopic” comes to mind. Recent years have seen fruitful outcomes of the bilateral cooperation in multiple fields. Among them, infrastructure is hardly one to miss.
From the plateau in the east to the coast in the west, from the landlocked countries in the sub-Saharan region to the small island states in the Western Indian Ocean, roads, railways, bridges, ports, schools, hospitals and power stations built with Chinese assistance are paving the groundwork for a better future for a land of promise and potential.
Transport projects drive a more connected future.
“To get rich, build roads first.” This is not just a popular Chinese proverb, but an important takeaway from China’s own development. Drawing on this experience, China has spent decades working with Africa to build the transport backbone necessary for driving economic growth.
It would be remiss not to mention the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway (AADR), a transport artery connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti and the first electrified transnational railway in East Africa. It is a flagship Belt and Road cooperation project, and one of the two main lines of transport in the Outlook on Peace and Development in the Horn of Africa which China put forward in 2022 to support regional countries in addressing security, development and governance challenges.
The railway greatly improved the access of countries along the route to the outside world. It has cut transport time for freight goods from more than three days to less than 20 hours, and reduced the cost by at least one-third. To date, the railway has transported 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million tons of cargo, with an average annual growth rate of 39 percent in revenue. As countries in the region grapple with soaring oil prices, the electrified railway has played an increasingly important role in delivering essential materials such as edible oil and fertilizers to meet the needs of socioeconomic development.
In May this year, the Chinese contractors handed over the railway’s management and operation to the African side after six years of smooth operation. Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide said, “The Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway line is an example of the ever-flourishing Sino-African relations. The Sino-African partnership has passed the test of time, demonstrated its resilience, and marks a brighter and strong future.”
In recent years, more and more infrastructure projects in Africa undertaken by China have yielded tangible benefits, often exceeding the traditional transport domain. Since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000, according to the “China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals” white paper, Chinese companies have helped African countries build or upgrade more than 10,000 km of railways, nearly 100,000 km of highways, nearly 1,000 bridges, nearly 100 ports, 66,000 km of power transmission and distribution, an installed power-generating capacity of 120 million kW, a communications backbone network of 150,000 km, and a network service covering nearly 700 million user terminals.
Blue economy cooperation cultivates talent.
The ocean connects countries; it also bears infinite hope. In recent years, under the Vision for Maritime Cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and The Belt and Road Blue Cooperation Initiative, China has taken concrete steps to forge a blue partnership with Africa.
In China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 released at the eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in 2021, cooperation on the blue economy is listed as a “new growth area” that can “add value to and sustainably utilize marine resources.” The infrastructure projects in this field have created many local jobs and helped train much-needed engineers, technicians and other skilled professionals for Africa.
The Lamu Port Project in Kenya is an exemplar. It has an important place in Kenya Vision 2030, the country’s long-term development blueprint. Built by a Chinese company, the port is part of Kenya’s bid to become a major trading hub in East Africa.
Over three-quarters of the project’s hirees were African. The Chinese companies send experienced and skilled Chinese workers to provide on-the-job training for local recruits. This was met with much enthusiasm among young Africans. More than 2,500 job opportunities with such tailored training produced a large number of skilled workers. After the project was completed, they were able to find new jobs and lead better lives with the skills they mastered.
Green economy cooperation supercharges energy transition.
China has been an important partner in Africa’s green transition. To date, China has undertaken more than 100 clean energy projects under the FOCAC framework, supporting African countries in making better use of clean energy such as solar, hydro, wind and geothermal power.
The De Aar Wind Farm has changed the energy landscape of South Africa. As the first wind power project financed, constructed and operated by a Chinese company in Africa, it supplies 760 million kilowatt-hours of clean electricity annually, meeting the electricity needs of 300,000 households. This has contributed to closing the gap caused by unstable clean energy and addressing the electricity shortage in South Africa.
China’s continuous efforts to help develop infrastructure in Africa over the decades find roots in Confucian philosophy. To quote The Analects, “ A man of virtue, while establishing himself and pursuing success, also works to establish others and enable them to succeed as well.” In other words, in pursuing its own development, China sincerely hopes to see African countries, which are also important members of the Global South, become prosperous and strong.
(Yi Xin is a Beijing-based international affairs commentator.
China-Africa Infrastructure Cooperation:
Building the Groundwork for a Better Future
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is at a critical turning point, urging global leaders to redirect priorities from war to peace as military spending reaches unprecedented levels.
In his New Year video message, Guterres said the international community is grappling with deepening chaos and uncertainty marked by growing divisions, violence, climate breakdown and persistent violations of international law.
“The world stands at a crossroads,” the UN chief said, noting that many people are increasingly questioning whether political leaders are listening or prepared to act in the face of escalating global challenges.
Guterres revealed that global military expenditure has surged to about 2.7 trillion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 10 per cent. According to him, the figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and roughly equal to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
He described the trend as alarming, especially as conflicts are raging at levels not seen since the Second World War, while millions of people continue to suffer from poverty, inequality and the effects of climate change.
Calling for a shift in global priorities, the Secretary-General stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved by investing more in human development rather than вооружed conflict. “A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars,” he said.
Guterres maintained that the world has sufficient resources to improve living standards, protect the planet and build a future anchored on peace and justice, if political will is applied.
Looking ahead to 2026, he challenged leaders across the globe to make decisive choices that place people and the environment above conflict and suffering. He also appealed to citizens worldwide to take responsibility and contribute to positive change.
“Our future depends on our collective courage to act,” Guterres said, calling for renewed global unity in the pursuit of justice, humanity and peace in the new year.
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed two deaths even as the world renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, survived a fatal car crash in Ogun state.
The three were moving in the same vehicle today when their vehicle was involved in a road traffic accident after a head on collision with an on coming vehicle at about 11:00 am, in Makun area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
Ogun state police spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi in a statement said that the vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated.
” He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and receiving medical attention.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.
“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced..
“Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.” Said the release.
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammad Idrisa CON, CFR, has called on community leaders, elders, youth, and all stakeholders to join hands to unite in our commitment to fostering development, preserving our heritage, and empowering one another.
The royal father made the call at the unveiling of the potentials of Kukar-Gadu, the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu, the presentation of the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan, and the commission of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town in Yobe state.
He said, “Let us first reflect on the profound heritage that Kukar-Gadu stlands for. Our history is steeped in resilience, courage, and a spirit of unity that transcends generations.” Adding that, the history of the Kukar-Gadu book is a testament to our past, a chronicle that honors our ancestors, celebrates our tradition, and preserves the narratives that define our identity.
Dr. Abali maintains that the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan is a visionary blueprint designed to guide our growth, improve our infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our commitment to sustainable development that is inclusive, strategic, and responsive to the needs of our community.
“It is essential that we work collaboratively to implement this plan, fostering partnerships among government entities, private stakeholders, and community members. Noted that, in doing so, we can transform our vision into reality. May this development plan serve as a catalyst for positive change, sparking economic growth and social progress.” The Royal Father said.
The Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers further revealed that the commissioning of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative aims to equip our youth and women with the skills and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“As leaders, it is our duty to invest in our greatest asset—our people—and through this initiative, we will create a framework for economic sustainability, providing the tools necessary for individuals to succeed and strengthening our community as a whole. Together we seek to build a future that is prosperous and full of possibilities.
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
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