Inside China’s 10-point Ksh.6.5 trillion plan for Africa
President Xi Jinping of China has announced a
10-point partnership action plan for Africa for the next three years.
These include the modernisation of
industrialisation, agriculture, trade, investment, training, and
infrastructure.
Others are access for Africa’s goods to the
Chinese market, 30 infrastructure connectivity projects and development
cooperation comprising 1,000 livelihood projects.
“In the next three years, China will work
with Africa to take 10 partnership actions for modernisation to deepen
China-Africa cooperation and spearhead Global South modernisation,” he said.
Speaking when he opened the 9th Forum on
China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing, President Jinping said the 10
action plans will provide Africa with $50 billion (Ksh.6.5 trillion) of
financial support.
He said it will include a $29.4 billion (Ksh.3.8 trillion) credit line, $11.2 billion (Ksh.1.4 trillion) of various forms of assistance and at least $9.8
billion (Ksh.1.3 trillion) of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.
In addition, he said, China will encourage
and support Africa in issuing Panda Bonds in China to enhance results-oriented
cooperation.
“This provides new opportunities and driving
forces for African countries and for our joint pursuit of modernisation,” he
said.
President Xi said modernisation should put
people first and strive to reduce poverty, provide jobs and foster inclusive
growth.
“Modernisation should be just and equitable,”
he said.
He said modernisation is an inalienable right
of all countries and emphasized the need for open, win-win modernisation.
The Chinese leader noted that China and
Africa together account for one-third of the world’s population, saying without
the modernisation of the two, there will be no global modernisation.
President Xi announced that China will
elevate the status of African countries with diplomatic relations to a
strategic level so that they join what he called “the all-weather Chinese
community”.
He said the 10-point plan will be achieved
through cooperation in governance, experience-sharing platforms, knowledge
networks and leadership training programmes.
President Xi also said the aim of the new
deal is to foster economic opportunities by offering zero-tariff treatment to
Least Developed Countries in Africa, expanding market access for agricultural
products and establishing economic partnerships.
The leader said the partnership actions also
focus on industrial cooperation, enhancing digital technology and implementing
connectivity projects like infrastructure development to support the Africa
Continental Free Trade Area.
“China is prepared to implement 30
infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote high-quality Belt and
Road cooperation and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea
links and coordinated development,”
he said.
Additionally, President Xi said China plans
to engage in health sector improvements by establishing medical alliances,
sending medical personnel and supporting Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.
The partnership will extend to agriculture,
with plans for emergency food assistance and agricultural development,
people-to-people exchanges to strengthen vocational education and cultural
programmes, and green development initiatives, including clean energy and
disaster mitigation projects.
“China is ready to launch 30 clean energy
projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems and carry
out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief as well as
biodiversity conservation,” he said.
On security, he said, China will provide
military assistance, training and conduct joint exercises to enhance
cooperative security efforts with Africa.
“We will give Africa $140 million (Ksh.18.2
billion) of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6,000 military
personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite
500 young African military officers to visit China,” he said.
Want to send us a story? SMS to 25170 or WhatsApp 0743570000 or Submit on Citizen Digital or email wananchi@royalmedia.co.ke
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a Comment