China has announced plans to further advance its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with African nations by deepening partnerships in emerging fields such as green development and the digital economy. This move aims to promote high-quality cooperation and bolster mutual benefits and shared prosperity, according to a report released by the Office of the Leading Group for Promoting the Belt and Road Initiative and the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC).
The report highlights that the BRI has significantly contributed to the economic and social development of African countries, strengthening the China-Africa community. The upcoming efforts will focus on enhancing policy coordination, infrastructure construction, and economic and trade relations. The objective is to ensure the BRI's development is healthy, green, and digital.
China and Africa will continue to collaborate in several key areas including healthcare, green development, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence. Specific projects outlined in the report include the cultivation of mushrooms using Chinese technology, biogas promotion, and greenhouse farming. These initiatives are designed to boost Africa’s self-sufficiency, promote sustainable development, and accelerate poverty alleviation.
Xu Jianping, Director of the NDRC’s Department of Regional Opening-up, emphasized the depth of the partnership: “China has signed memorandums of understanding with 52 African countries and the African Union on jointly developing the Belt and Road. This reflects our commitment to advancing cooperation in diverse fields”.
Recent years have seen substantial progress in BRI cooperation, particularly in infrastructure. Chinese companies have been involved in constructing and upgrading over 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of highways, almost 1,000 bridges, 100 ports, and 66,000 kilometers of power transmission and distribution lines across Africa. Additionally, they have helped build a 150,000-kilometer backbone communications network.
Trade between China and Africa reached a record high of $282.1 billion in 2023, showcasing the resilience of this economic relationship. By the end of last year, China’s direct investment in Africa had surpassed $40 billion. Xu indicated that future efforts will include advancing healthcare cooperation, promoting green development, building a digital Silk Road, and exploring new technological innovation models.
China and African nations will also focus on enhancing healthcare collaboration. Initiatives include pairing Chinese hospitals with African medical facilities, constructing China-Africa friendship hospitals, and sending high-level medical teams to support African countries in need. Li Juan, Deputy Director of the National Health Commission’s International Cooperation Department, noted that China has already established partnerships with 46 hospitals in 41 African countries, creating 25 specialized cooperation centers.
In terms of green development, China will support renewable energy projects such as solar and wind power through green credit, environmental protection funds, and green bonds. The focus will be on building sustainable energy solutions and fostering eco-friendly growth.
On the digital front, the two sides plan to enhance infrastructure development, improve high-speed internet access, and support the creation of smart cities across Africa. The cooperation will also encompass information technology tools, including 5G, big data, cloud computing, fintech, and AI. Plans include establishing joint laboratories, partner institutes, and technological innovation cooperation bases.
China and Africa will also work to build closer innovation partnerships, implementing the Belt and Road Science, Technology and Innovation Cooperation Action Plan, and establishing the China-Africa innovation cooperation center. The China-Africa Innovation Cooperation and Development Forum will continue to serve as a platform for collaboration.
Xu concluded, “China is committed to cultivating high-tech talent in Africa and sharing its experience in scientific and technological innovation. Our goal is to jointly create an open, fair, and nondiscriminatory environment for technological development.”
This enhanced cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative underscores China's dedication to supporting Africa’s growth and addressing the continent’s diverse needs through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions.