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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
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
The meeting of unity between the Karai-karai and Ngizimawa tribes of Mamudo constituents (alias Yanki Shida) ended with a promise to continue supporting the APC present administration in the state under the able leadership of Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba.
The meeting was held under the leadership of Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye, a leader, stakeholder, and adviser on governmental affairs to Governor Mai Mala Buni CON, Chiroman Gujba, at his residence in Potiskum.
Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye calls on the people to shun what is happening in the past and solicit their support and cooperation for Governor Buni’s administration in the state. Adding that, in the past, we know Karai-karai and Ngizim are brothers and sisters; we are moving together; we are doing everything together, but recently some people come and divide us.
“Let us build a solid concrete foundation for our children and our grandchildren, and as we are suffering now, don’t allow our children and our grandchildren to suffer; let us unite ourselves and develop our area.” Chillariye added.
Also speaking, Hon. Saidu Arjale said in the past we know Karai-karai and Ngizimawa are one thing; nobody will separate them; they are doing everything together; they are moving together, but some people, because of their selfish interest, come and divide us.
He calls on the members to be straightforward; don’t be afraid, put fear aside, face the reality, unite ourselves, and live a good legacy for our children and our grandchildren in the future.
Also contributing, Mallam Ibrahim Bogocho said we are claiming that we are good politicians, but from us some people will come and use us to achieve their political aim, noting that since we wake up from sleeping, let us unite ourselves because without unity, nothing will go normal.
In his own contribution, the former chairman of the Nangere local government area, Alhaji Adamu Yahaya (alias Adamu Alabura), revealed that today I am very happy as I saw Karai-karai and Ngizimawa meeting to unite themselves and move together in politics.
He said you can’t differentiate between Karai-karai and Ngizim; they are one entity, and politics is a game of choice. Let us forget about being afraid since we come out with these good initiatives. Now that we have a credible leader who can lead us, please let us give him maximum support to achieve our goal.
Earlier speaking at the meeting, the state chairman of Mayina Kara, Alhaji Sha’aibu Shamshi, said, Since we got crises among us, but now we are ready to resolve it by the grace of God.
“My message to Karai-karai and Ngizimawa people is to unite ourselves and support the government; let us always be loyal to the government and support our leader, Alhaji Adamu Abdu Chillariye. I know him for quite a long time; he is a straightforward person; he doesn’t want to lie.
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision
By: Amb. Musa Tsoken
It could be recalled that on the 13th of March, 2023, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR had raised concerns regarding the devastating hunger that had bedeviled Nigeria and the world at large. However, it was a global threat that needed to be tackled to leverage the negative trend to save humanity.
The vision and mission of Senator Abubakar Kyari in his political sojourn was that of humanity first, which tallies with the agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR.
No wonder Kyari, who sees his ministry as a savior and a place of succor to Nigeria, did not relent in putting up his best to ensure that the declaration of a state of emergency on food security yields positive results as a major critical area of concern for the nation’s development in terms of providing efficient and essential food for local consumption and generating substantial revenue for both individuals and government.
Agricultural growth is definitely a channel of countering insecurity by providing job opportunities as well as increasing the GDP of Nigeria.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has made significant strides in reforming the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, with the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm. This publication highlights the government’s efforts to address food security challenges, as emphasized by the President and reinforced by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima.
In response to the growing concerns about food insecurity, President Tinubu declared a state of emergency, underscoring the need for urgent action. This declaration has been reinforced by the circular issued by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. Dr. George Akume, which emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical areas of the economy, including agriculture.
Under the leadership of Hon. Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari, the ministry has embarked on several reform initiatives, including:
Increasing funding and inputs for farmers to enhance productivity and ensure food security.
Revitalizing Agriculture: Implement policies to increase agricultural production, reduce insecurity, and promote sustainable development.
Food Security as a National Priority: Recognizing food security as an integral component of national security, the administration is working tirelessly to ensure every Nigerian has access to nutritious food.
The government is committed to collaborating with local and international partners to achieve its food security goals. This includes working with the private sector, development organizations, and other stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and funding.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to transforming the agricultural sector and ensuring food security for all Nigerians. With the Honourable Minister Senator Abubakar Kyari at the helm, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is driving reforms and initiatives that will have a lasting impact on the country’s food security landscape. Kudos to Sen. Kyari for his tireless effort to ensure transformation, innovation, and advanced technology in agricultural development in Nigeria.
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision.
Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits have attacked several villages in Shiroro and Munya Local Government Areas of Niger State, killing one person, kidnapping several others, and rustling an unconfirmed number of cattle.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack in Shiroro LGA occurred at about 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 22, when bandits on motorcycles invaded Kutako Makera and Galadiman-Kogo villages.
The assailants shot dead a 75-year-old resident, Bansi Kutako, before abducting multiple villagers and stealing cattle.
In a separate incident, bandits stormed Hayin-Dogo village in Munya LGA around 3:50 a.m. on Feb. 23, kidnapping five residents, including two women.
The victims have been identified as: Adamu Danfulani, Umar Sanda, Murtala Tailor, Aisha Rabiu, and Ramatu Murtala, 26
Joint security forces, including the military, police, vigilantes, and DSS special hunters, have been deployed to track the criminals, rescue the abducted persons, and recover stolen livestock.
The command urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious movements to security agencies.
Armed Bandits Attack Niger Villages, Kill One, Kidnap Several Others
Karai-Karai, Ngizimawa tribes unit to support APC in Yobe
Transforming Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Vision
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