Path to progress inspires continent

NAIROBI — The accelerated pace of modernization combined with peaceful and inclusive development that China has embraced with zeal is inspiring African countries as they embark on a new chapter of renewal, experts said.

African countries have benefited from China's model of peaceful development and continuous renewal, as evidenced by sustained capital flows, robust trade, technology and skills transfer to the continent, said Cavince Adhere, an international relations scholar in Kenya, in an interview with Xinhua News Agency.

Adhere attributed Africa's rapid economic takeoff to China's willingness to share expertise, support peace-building efforts in Africa, and invest in sectors like transport, manufacturing and energy.

Highlighting the whole-of-society approach to development that China has prioritized, he said it is best suited for Africa, where people-centered growth is key to sustaining cohesion.

"We still hope to see China's internalization in terms of resource mobilization, in terms of development cooperation with African countries under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation," Adhere said.

He added that as the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area gathers steam, the continent should tap China's technological prowess to revitalize its digital economy, manufacturing and value addition.

Call for consensus

China's rapid modernization, which has encouraged inclusivity, solidarity and healthy consensus, should be emulated in Africa, where poverty and underdevelopment have threatened stability, Adhere said.

In addition, Beijing's embrace of green development as espoused in its ecological civilization mantra has aided efforts to tame the climate crisis that has taken a heavy toll on livelihoods across the sub-Saharan region.

By upholding the multilateral system, China has also proactively supported a peaceful resolution to Africa's conflicts, thereby placing the continent on the path of equitable growth and long-term stability.

Adhere noted that once the implementation of the China-pioneered Global Security Initiative gathers pace, it will be key to finding a lasting solution to civil strife in Africa.

Adhere also lauded China's willingness to share its resources, technologies and expertise to help transform Africa's economies through enhanced connectivity, trade and job creation.

On Africa's high-speed internet connectivity, the Kenyan scholar said that with China's help, the continent will become more integrated.

Nadia Monteiro, a central committee member of Angola's ruling party MPLA, hailed China's modernization efforts as a "unique and unprecedented milestone" for exponential economic growth in the world's most populous country and as a contribution to the global economy.

Xinhua