Johannesburg: Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the challenges and complexities inherent in the China-Africa partnership. He highlighted that this collaboration marks a new era of South-South cooperation, focusing on mutual benefit, solidarity, and shared prosperity. Ali delivered these remarks at the Global South Media Think Tank Forum on China-Africa Partnership Conference, themed ‘China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalisation’.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Ali stressed that as the partnership continues to progress, it is crucial to tackle the challenges and complexities while leveraging opportunities for sustainable development and growth. The China-Africa relationship has been under intense scrutiny and debate, emerging as a significant force in driving economic growth, promoting sustainable development, and fostering a more equitable global order. At its core, the partnership aims to revitalize the Global South, aligning with the aspirations of nations and peoples striving for a rightful place in the global economy.
Ali noted that China’s engagement with Africa is rooted in the principles of South-South cooperation, moving beyond the traditional donor-recipient model. This approach is exemplified by initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which has produced substantial benefits for both regions. China’s investments in Africa’s infrastructure have been instrumental in bridging the continent’s infrastructure gap and integrating African economies into the global market.
In Nigeria, the China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) has built the Abuja-Kaduna railway, a transformative project that has reshaped the country’s transportation landscape. This railway has improved connectivity, reduced travel time and costs, boosted economic activity, and enhanced the quality of life for millions of Nigerians. China has also become one of Africa’s largest trading partners, with bilateral trade exceeding $282 billion in 2020. Chinese companies have made significant investments 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 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.
Ali highlighted the developmental impact of China-Africa cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, where China’s expertise has helped African countries improve crop yields, enhance food security, and increase exports. The Sino-African Agricultural Cooperation Programme has trained thousands of African agricultural professionals to drive agricultural development. In Nigeria, the China-Africa Agricultural Cooperation Programme has supported the development of agricultural value chains, enhanced food security, and improved farmers’ livelihoods. Chinese experts have also provided training and technical assistance to Nigerian farmers, enabling them to adopt modern farming techniques and improve productivity.
Ali concluded by acknowledging that while many challenges still exist in the partnership, China and Africa have the potential to create a more equitable and prosperous world aligned with the aspirations of the Global South.