President Xi Jinping of China has introduced a 10-point partnership action plan for Africa over the next three years.
This plan includes the advancement of industrialization, agriculture, trade, investment, training, and infrastructure.
Other aspects involve providing access for African products in the Chinese market, implementing 30 infrastructure connectivity projects, and developing cooperation through 1,000 livelihood projects.
“In the upcoming three years, China will collaborate with Africa on 10 partnership actions for modernization to deepen the cooperation between China and Africa and lead the modernization of the Global South,” he stated.
During the opening of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit in Beijing, President Jinping declared that the 10 action plans would offer Africa $50 billion (KSh6.5 trillion) in financial assistance.
This includes a $29.4 billion credit line, $11.2 billion in various forms of aid, and at least $9.8 billion in investments by Chinese companies in Africa.
Moreover, China will support and encourage Africa to issue Panda Bonds in China to enhance the results-oriented partnership.
“This creates new opportunities and driving forces for African nations and our joint effort towards modernization,” he mentioned.
President Xi emphasized that modernization should prioritize people’s needs and aim to alleviate poverty, generate employment, and encourage inclusive growth.
“Modernization should be fair and just,” he stated.
He stressed that modernization is an inherent right of all countries and highlighted the importance of open, mutually beneficial modernization.
The Chinese leader acknowledged that China and Africa together account for a third of the global population, underscoring that without the modernization of both, global modernization would not be possible.
President Xi announced China’s intention to elevate the diplomatic relationships of African countries to a strategic level so they can join the “all-weather Chinese community.”
The 10-point plan will be achieved through collaborative governance, shared-experience platforms, knowledge networks, and leadership development programs.
President Xi also outlined that the primary goal of the new agreement is to create economic opportunities by granting zero-tariff treatment to Least Developed Countries in Africa, expanding market access for agricultural goods, and establishing economic partnerships.
The partnership actions also concentrate on industrial cooperation, leveraging digital technology, and implementing connectivity projects such as infrastructure development to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area.
“China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, advance top-notch Belt and Road cooperation, and establish a China-Africa network with land-sea connections and coordinated advancement,” he mentioned.
In addition, President Xi indicated China’s plans to enhance the healthcare sector by forming medical alliances, deploying medical personnel, and supporting Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.
The partnership extends to agriculture, with provisions for emergency food aid, agricultural development, people-to-people exchanges to fortify vocational education and cultural programs, as well as green development initiatives like clean energy and disaster mitigation projects.
“China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, set up meteorological early warning systems, collaborate in disaster prevention, mitigation, relief, and biodiversity conservation,” he added.
Regarding security, he mentioned that China will offer military assistance, training, and conduct joint exercises to enhance cooperative security efforts with Africa.
“We will give Africa $140 million (KSh18.2 billion) in military assistance grants, train 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 announced.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of President of the Republic of Kenya.