A view of Emali station on the Chinese-built Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, in Kenya Photo: VCG

Editor's Note:

Amid the emergence of the Global South, China-Africa relations have entered a fast track of growth in recent years. As the international landscape becomes increasingly complex and interwoven, it is imperative for China and Africa to fortify their solidarity and self-improvement, as well as to further embrace the positioning of the "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era." The Global Times, in collaboration with South Africa's Independent Media, has launched a series titled "Global South Dialogue · China-Africa Opinion Power," inviting Chinese and African experts, scholars to engage in in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics related to China-Africa relations and their international context. The inaugural installment featured discussions on the transformation of major powers' Africa policies, the urgent priorities and strategic imperatives of African development, and the inspirations that China's development journey holds for African countries.


Cooperation goals and practices of major powers in Africa

Tang Lixia (associate dean of the College of International Development and Global Agriculture, China Agricultural University): Countries' strategies on investment, aid and development in Africa are increasingly influenced by global politics and competition. The US emphasizes trade over aid in its new Africa strategy. Japan recently hosted the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development. Russia focuses on energy, defense, trade, security cooperation and nuclear energy partnerships. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states are pursuing financial investments and infrastructure projects, particularly in new energy, ports and urbanization. In this context, our discussion will center on identifying the type of development cooperation that Africa genuinely requires to foster sustainable growth.

Mugambwa Joshua (dean of School of Management, Makerere University Business School, Uganda): We see China's presence as an opportunity because China promotes growth with peace, believing that by creating wealth and lifting people out of poverty, peace will follow. Indeed, all these dimensions, along with the African Union's Agenda 2063, help Uganda and many other countries decide which partners to work with.

Considering the development plans and Africa's agenda, particularly the East African Community development, it's evident that China is one of the key partners that can help Africa move to the next level. China has positioned itself to address Africa's long-term problems, namely infrastructure, energy and value addition. We haven't advanced much since independence because of the exploitative systems left by our colonial masters. But now, China is stepping in and trying to ensure a win-win situation. I'm very happy about all these developments because now we have a partner who cares. We can see all these improvements coming from China. We are realizing that China provides better solutions.

Simon T. Angombe (professor of Agric Ecology, University of Namibia): Development partners often arrive with their own objectives and frameworks. However, the path forward for Africa must be shaped by our own priorities. 

First and foremost, our government must recognize the strategic importance of investing in research and development. This is a foundation for sustainable progress. Efficiency must be a core principle of our development strategy. 

Equally important is ensuring community ownership. Development must be inclusive and locally grounded to be truly transformative.

Ultimately, Africa's development must be African-led, but globally supported. Strategic partnerships, especially with major powers, must be built on respecting both local systems and national priorities. This approach will lay the groundwork for resilient, self-reliant and prosperous future for our people. 


What kind of development cooperation does Africa truly need?

Rhoda Birech (associate professor of Sustainable Agriculture and Seed Systems, University of Namibia): I think one thing we need to acknowledge is that we must improve trade between African countries. Africa consists of 54 countries, some of which produce a lot of food while others don't have enough. However, moving goods across borders is complicated due to various regulations. For example, trucks can be stuck at the border for one or two days, causing produce to rot. Harmonizing regulations on food trade between the 54 African countries is not easy. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the flagship project of Africa's Agenda 2063, aiming to create a single continental market for goods and services across the African Union member countries. Namibia is committed to AfCFTA, but it is not yet fully implemented.

Aurelia Kokuletage Ngirwa Kamuzora (chairlady of the National Economic Empowerment Council of Tanzania): Africa's Agenda 2063 contains a vision and is integrated into our current policies across the continent. Within this framework, Africa has identified several key sectors to focus on, one of which includes energy and climate change. Agriculture is also a key area. The goal is to unite Africa, work together and promote the production of goods that can be exported within the continent, and eventually to other countries as well.

We are continuing to build on this because agriculture needs an institutional framework and policies that can make it a profitable sector. As it becomes a profitable sector, even professors conducting research on improving seeds, crops and animal husbandry will have well-paid jobs. This is what we call economics: generating income from agriculture, which will also lead to tax revenue coming from the sector.

How has China-Africa cooperation benefited the continent?

Mugambwa Joshua: Africa has learnt many lessons from China's development progress. One of these is the hope that poverty eradication is possible. We first need to conduct pilot tests. What often happens in Africa is that policies are adopted but eventually fail. However, China teaches us to pilot programs first and carefully target our efforts, so we can focus exactly on those who need these services the most. This approach can be adapted to the African context. 

Another lesson is the importance of long-term planning. We need to plan for development. For example, China plans ahead and ensures that these plans are implemented. We face challenges in policy implementation and are often inconsistent with our goals. African countries can adopt this approach to prioritize long-term development goals. 

We also recognize the importance of ensuring industrialization, as we see that China was able to shift from agriculture to manufacturing and value-added industries. These shifts were key in fueling economic growth.

Industrial parks, which can accelerate industrialization, are another area we are learning about. We note that China invested in roads, ports and power, which unlock productivity. Similarly, Africa can use infrastructure development to integrate markets and reduce business costs.

Additionally, we recognize the importance of digital commerce. Furthermore, we need to prioritize domestic needs while also building partnerships, not only locally, but also internationally, as China did.

Aurelia Kokuletage: We appreciate how the Chinese government and the Chinese people have been working with the African continent in a friendly manner. This model is different from the one used by the West. Unfortunately, Western powers are often clearly associated with colonialism, which is regrettable. However, China's friendship is rooted in partnership, as there is no historical baggage of bad experiences. 

If the agenda focuses on developing tradable goods, Africa already possesses that potential. Can we receive support for trade, not aid? This approach will make anyone who comes, including China, feel welcome. So, let's talk about trade. 

The College of International Development and Global Agriculture, China Agricultural University, provided academic support for this dialogue. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn