African commitment

President Hu Jintao leaves Beijing for Cameroon today, kicking off a visit to fulfill China's promise to Africa.

A tour throughout the African continent will take him to eight African countries, five of which the Chinese president will set foot in for the first time.

Hu announced China's aid package in November when Chinese and African leaders put their heads together at the Beijing Summit of the China-Africa Cooperation Forum. His eight-point proposal provided African countries with more assistance and preferential loans, coupled with the commitment to help the continent with more hands, expertise and training programs.