By Kayode Adebiyi
Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has called for scrutiny of the challenges and complexities involved in the China-Africa partnership.
He said that the partnership represents a new era of South-South cooperation, one that prioritises mutual benefit, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
Ali stated this at the Global South Media Think Tank Forum on China-Africa Partnership Conference on Friday in Johannesburg, South Africa with the theme “China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalisation”.
‘’As the partnership continues to evolve, it is essential to address the challenges and complexities involved, while harnessing the opportunities for sustainable development and growth.
‘’The burgeoning partnership between China and Africa has been a subject of intense scrutiny and debate in recent years.
‘’As both regions continue to navigate the complexities of globalisation, their collaboration has emerged as a potent force for driving economic growth, promoting sustainable development, and fostering a more equitable global order.
‘’At the heart of this partnership lies the shared vision of revitalising the Global South, a concept that resonates deeply with the aspirations of nations and peoples seeking to reclaim their rightful place in the global economy,’’ Ali said.
He said that China’s engagement with Africa is built on the principles of South-South cooperation, which seeks to transcend the traditional donor-recipient dichotomy.
Ali said that the approach was exemplified by initiatives such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has yielded significant benefits for both parties.
He added that China’s investments in Africa’s infrastructure have helped bridge the continent’s infrastructure gap and facilitated the integration of African economies into the global market.
‘’In Nigeria, my country, the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) has constructed the Abuja-Kaduna railway, a flagship project that has transformed the country’s transportation landscape.
‘’This railway has not only enhanced connectivity but also reduced travel time and costs, thereby boosting economic activity and improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
‘’China has become one of Africa’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $282 billion in 2020. Chinese companies have invested heavily in Africa’s infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing sectors, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth.
‘’The construction of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, for example, has enhanced regional connectivity and reduced transportation costs.
‘’In Nigeria, Chinese companies have invested in various sectors, including telecommunications, construction, and agriculture.
‘’The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) has invested in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, while Huawei has provided telecommunications infrastructure and training to Nigerian companies.’’
He stressed that the developmental impact of China-Africa cooperation was evident in various sectors including the agricultural sector where its expertise has helped African countries improve crop yields, enhance food security, and increase their exports.
The NAN chief executive said that the Sino-African Agricultural Cooperation Programme has trained thousands of African agricultural professionals in order to drive agricultural development.
‘’In Nigeria, the China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation Programme has supported the development of agricultural value chains, enhanced food security and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
‘’Chinese experts have also provided training and technical assistance to Nigerian farmers, enabling them to adopt modern farming techniques and improve their productivity.’’
Ali said that though many challenges still exist in the partnership, China and Africa can create a more equitable and prosperous world based on the aspirations of the Global South.(NAN)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
