China, Africa together for greater solidarity and cooperation than ever before: Rwanda scholar

Editor's note: In 2024, alongside 63 African scholars, Dr. Ismael Buchanan, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, School of Governance, Development and Society, at the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) of the University of Rwanda (Huye campus) and the Founder and CEO of Rwanda Institute of International Affairs (RIIA), participated in drafting a joint letter to H.E. Chinese President Xi Jinping, commending China's leadership and its historic achievements in fostering a China-Africa community with a shared future. This initiative emerged from the 13th meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The forum brought together over 300 scholars, experts, and policymakers to discuss ways to deepen collaboration and address global challenges.

The letter highlighted eight key areas for action, including prioritizing development, promoting mutual respect, advocating for equitable globalization, and ensuring representation for developing nations in global governance. These areas reflect the common challenges and aspirations of the Global South, which shares a history of colonial exploitation and seeks pathways to inclusive growth and sustainable development.

Chinese modernization: What to learn for Africa

Chinese modernization has several features resulting in a diversified growth. Chinese economy is undergoing profound change in policy and structure. China's human-centered development concept focuses more on poverty reduction, innovation, high quality development and green development, which are necessary to increase the value of growth and ensure sustaining growth into the future.

For the African countries, it is time to learn from Chinese modernization as China has realized a firm commitment to growth and development. It is possible to change the course of history - China, once among the poorest countries in the world, has done so. Things can change too for Africa countries. Africa must learn from China's experience and success, and identify ways in which their economic growth can be sustainable, and build on poverty reduction and shared prosperity.

Africa needs a skilled labor force in order to experience growth like China's. in that case, Africa needs to get more students into tertiary education so that they can have the option of studying science and technology (STEM fields) in order to improve the productivity of its crops and to build the infrastructure required by Africa's booming cities.

Another critical area for African human capital development is technical and vocational education and training (TVET). China's success in that domain is what Africa needs to learn from in order to adopt new technologies and thereby create jobs.

In terms of agriculture, Africa needs to learn from China's experience. Africa is a continent with the basic elements for successful agriculture with abundant land and water resources, but with so many challenges ahead. So, any change to improve agricultural productivity and reduce the costs of the consumption basket will have a positive impact on lowering food costs and reduce pressure on wages as well.

I believe that success in achieving economic growth with increasing productivity, employment, and poverty reduction will be built on sound economic principles, therefore we must also remain pragmatic and develop our own home-grown solutions like China did.

Toward a Shared Future

China and Africa have always been a community with a shared future even during difficult times. Both have worked together for greater solidarity and cooperation than ever before. For example, in the area of bilateral economic and trade cooperation, China and Africa have engaged in trade of agricultural products and many other areas such as the construction of key infrastructure like natural gas pipelines, light rail, railways, and fiber optic cables, power networks.

China has worked with African countries in terms of communications and exchanges on culture, and educational sectors as well. Many Chinese students are learning African languages and many African students are studying in China, enhancing the understanding and friendship between the people of both sides and contributing to the development of bilateral relations. I believe the voices of Global South countries need to be heard. Africans need to value their partnership with China, which is based on mutual respect and shared interests as the collaboration between China and Africa has led to tangible results. FOCAC has been a key platform for deepening the partnership between China and Africa.

China's approach to Africa, characterized by sincerity, real results, amity and good faith, resonates strongly with African's values. China has proven to be a reliable friend and partner, supporting Africa's development without imposing its will. This model of cooperation is one that African deeply appreciate and seek to continue.

Also, the Belt and Road Initiative has played a crucial role in enhancing African's infrastructure and promoting sustainable development. Different projects behind all these partnerships have had a direct impact on improving livelihoods and supporting economic growth in so many African countries. Looking forward, Africa sees potential for further cooperation in areas such as digital economy, renewable energy, and agricultural modernization. China and Africa should promote cultural exchanges, educational partnerships, and tourism initiatives, while also enhancing mutual understanding and awareness.

Contributed by Dr. Ismael Buchanan, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Political Science, School of Governance, Development and Society, at the College of Arts and Social Sciences (CASS) of the University of Rwanda (Huye campus), and Founder & CEO of Rwanda Institute of International Affairs (RIIA)