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Opinions of Monday, 20 November 2023

Columnist: Michael Oduro

Rising industrialization in Africa: China-Africa economic collaboration paving the path to prosperity

China and Africa partnerships for business and trade have become the talk of recent years China and Africa partnerships for business and trade have become the talk of recent years

The journey of industrialization in Africa resembles an adventurous quest, with China-Africa economic cooperation standing as a steadfast companion in this narrative. Let's delve into this story.

In Africa, the seeds of industrialization have taken root, overcoming the challenges of colonialism and political turmoil. Despite experiencing phases like African localization, structural adjustment programs, privatization, and attracting foreign investment, the economic growth and industrial development of African countries have progressed relatively slowly.

However, China-African economic cooperation emerges as a dynamic force propelling the dream of industrialization in Africa. As one of Africa's closest trade partners, China provides robust support for African countries' industrialization through avenues like loans, investments, and technology transfer.

Simultaneously, through capacity cooperation, China and Africa facilitate the profound integration and complementarity of their industries. This collaboration not only fuels Africa's economic takeoff and mutual success but also sown the seeds of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit in Johannesburg in August 2023, highlighted the steady progress of the African Union's Agenda 2063, the formal implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and the strengthening cooperation among sub-regional organizations.

Africa is gradually emerging as a pivotal global force. President Xi Jinping announced the initiation of the "Initiative to Support African Industrialization," expressing China's commitment to mobilize resources and encourage Chinese enterprises to actively support Africa in developing manufacturing industries, fostering industrialization, and economic diversification.

China and Africa have established numerous economic and trade cooperation zones in various African countries. Taking the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone as an example, initiated and invested by China Nonferrous Metal Mining Group in 2007, the zone has attracted nearly a hundred Chinese enterprises, with an investment exceeding $2.5 billion.

The cumulative tax contributions have surpassed $800 million, providing over 10,000 employment opportunities for the local community in Zambia.

Looking ahead, China-African economic cooperation should further strengthen capacity cooperation and technology transfer.

China can provide more technical and financial support to African countries to help elevate their industrial and production capabilities. Simultaneously, both China and Africa can explore more exciting collaborative projects, such as infrastructure development and agricultural modernization, fostering a deeper integration and complementarity of their respective economies.

This is a vibrant and hopeful tale of China and Africa joining hands to create a new chapter in the adventure of industrialization.