Johannesburg: The Global South Media has been urged to be systematic in ensuring the transparency of developmental infrastructure across the continent through professional reportage. It should ask questions such as the transparency of the projects, its capacity to create jobs for local people and if it helps Africa speak with one voice in global forums.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), disclosed this at the Global South Media Think Tank Forum in Johannesburg, South Africa. Ali spoke on the topic: China-Africa Commitment to Global Governance Reforms. He emphasized that the partnership between China and Africa extends beyond infrastructure to reshaping global governance, highlighting China’s pledge over the past decade to support a more inclusive international system, which includes greater African representation in international financial institutions.
Ali noted that China announced a $30 billion fund for African infrastructure at the 2022 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Dakar, underlining the importance of increased African representation in bodies like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the New Development Bank. He stressed that the sustainability and success of China’s infrastructure projects in Africa hinge on trade and investment reforms.
Ali highlighted agreements signed by China that incorporate ‘transparent procurement’ clauses and ‘environmental standards,’ serving as a model for other multilateral projects. He shared insights into Nigeria’s digital economy strategy, aligned with China’s ‘Digital Silk Road,’ and noted Nigeria’s campaign for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council, with China’s public support.
Ali urged the Global South media and thinkers to hold both China and their governments accountable, advocating for narratives that increase openness and inclusivity. He cautioned that global governance reform is already evident in infrastructure, representation, and legislation.
He concluded by asserting that China-Africa cooperation could catalyze change if the conversation remains active and pressure is maintained.