Prof. Tang Xiaoyang on why China invests in Africa
Prof. Tang Xiaoyang on why China invests in Africa
The expert on China-Africa relations from Tsinghua said China's development would be more difficult without investing in Africa.
Today’s newsletter presents the translation of an interview between Guancha.cn 观察者网 and Prof. Tang Xiaoyang 唐晓阳, as the Beijing Summit of The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) just concluded.
As the chair of the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University, Prof. Tang has focused on African studies and international development issues for many years. He has also served as a consultant for organizations like the World Bank, UNDP, USAID, and various research institutes and consulting firms. Before joining Tsinghua, he was employed at the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) in Washington DC.
A week ago, Ginger River Review interviewed Prof. Tang, discussing “changes in the trade product structures between China and Africa, the prospects for Chinese electric vehicles in Africa, the ‘debt trap’ narrative, and how the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) synergizes with FOCAC.” You don’t want to miss it.
On the afternoon of September 5, fresh from attending the FOCAC summit, Tang shared his views as below. The translation are mine.
不投资和援助非洲，我们的发展会更困难
Without investing in and supporting Africa, China's development would be more difficult
Mutual benefit is the driving force behind the sustained development of China-Africa relations
Guancha.cn: Since the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in October 2000, the importance of China-Africa relations has continued to grow. From the establishment of a new type of strategic partnership in 2006 to the present in 2024, China-Africa relations have been elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.
Why is the China-Africa partnership so crucial in today’s global context? How to interpret the evolving positioning of China-Africa relations in this new era?
Tang: Over the past few decades, China and Africa have found increasing number of shared political interests. Economically, particularly since the turn of the century, both sides have embraced a new model of mutually beneficial development model, strengthening political and economic ties while fostering cultural, social, and other exchanges. Moreover, the enduring nature of China-Africa relations highlights a powerful driving force. In both trade and investment, long-term mutual benefits are evident, as reflected in the steady growth of investment and trade volumes. Politically, even after decades, the two sides have maintained a close and lasting friendship. Despite years of challenges, the momentum behind China-Africa relations remains strong, a testament to the vitality of their equal and mutually beneficial partnership!
Guancha.cn: Many people are struck when they first visit Africa, noticing that much of the infrastructure and many everyday products are made in China. Recently, I had a conversation with a British person who had been to Africa, and she asked a question: “Why does China invest in Africa?” How do we answer this question, both from a historical and contemporary perspective?
Tang: China’s assistance to Africa dates back to the 1960s, with the most iconic example being the construction of the TAZARA Railway. Back then, it was more about providing selfless aid rather than pursuing market-driven cooperation. Following the reform and opening up, China’s investments in Africa steadily expanded, evolving from small-scale aid to a market-oriented approach aimed at mutual development and aligned with national interests. Here, “investment” refers not only to direct investments but to the broader scope of China’s economic activities in Africa. So, why does China invest in Africa?
First and foremost, China invests in Africa for the commercial benefits it offers. Since the reform and opening-up, most Chinese companies have prioritized profit and growth. The surge in Chinese investment in Africa is driven by the recognition of abundant opportunities that align with the growth phase of Chinese enterprises and their competitive edge in the global market. In contrast, Western companies often face high operating costs and offer advanced but expensive technologies, pricing them out of reach for many Africans. Moreover, Western firms are typically hesitant to invest in Africa, viewing the market as too high-risk.
For Chinese companies, both in terms of technological capabilities and development stages, China is more aligned with Africa, making the African market a more fitting choice for investment. This adaptability has been a crucial factor in the success of Chinese enterprises in Africa. When these businesses struggle to achieve higher returns domestically due to intense competition or find developed markets constrained by geopolitical factors or saturation, Africa emerges as a promising alternative for investment.
So, why invest in Africa? Primarily, it’s a decision businesses make based on their own commercial interests. Moreover, from a national strategic perspective, why does China invest in Africa, provide aid, and foster various forms of cooperation? It’s essential to differentiate the two: at the national level, there is both the encouragement of commercial investment and the provision of aid. As announced at the latest FOCAC, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.
Even at the national level, commercial investment remains the cornerstone of China’s economic and trade activities with Africa, as well as its credit relations. Yet, it’s important to acknowledge that China itself received significant aid from more developed nations during its own growth. Providing aid to Africa and encouraging businesses to invest there aligns with the principles of international responsibility and mutual support. Furthermore, African nations are helping Chinese enterprises better adapt to local markets. Programs like the Luban Workshops and Digital Demonstration Centers, born out of China-Africa cooperation, are prime examples. While these investments may not yield immediate commercial returns, they serve as public investments that, over time, can play a crucial role in fostering a modern market system and cultivating African talent. In the long run, this not only benefits Chinese businesses in Africa but also supports the sustainable growth of China-Africa economic cooperation.
Western media often overlook the deeper philosophical significance of South-South cooperation
Guancha.cn: During the 2024 FOCAC Summit, several prominent Western media outlets once again voiced suspicions and accusations about China’s investments in Africa. While the so-called “debt trap” narrative has been less prevalent this year, the idea of “China wooing Africa” has gained traction. Headlines such as The Economist’s “China’s relationship with Africa is growing murkier,” The New York Times’ “China Woos Africa, Casting Itself as Global South’s Defender,” and CNN’s “China kicks off major African summit as it seeks to woo leaders amid pressure from the West” reflect this trend. How would you address these recurring suspicions from the Western media?
Tang: I think that the Western countries often looks at China-Africa relations through a narrow lens, failing to grasp the deeper philosophical values driving this cooperation - merely scratching the surface. Why? For example, they suggest that China seeks to secure African support in UN votes, yet overlook the fact that China’s diplomatic principles are rooted in peaceful coexistence and non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs. China’s aids to Africa are never attched political strings, such as support in UN votes. Ironically, it’s often the Western countries that has pressured African nations to pick sides, whether during the Cold War or more recently, as seen during the Trump administration.
Why does it often appear that African nations support China’s position in UN votes? The deeper reason lies in the historical alignment between China and Africa on international issues. Both sides share values like opposition to hegemony and imperialism, along with a common desire for peaceful development. This alignment is based on shared principles, not the “China wooing Africa” narrative portrayed by Western media. Historically, whether during colonial wars, the Cold War, or today, the Western countries has never truly shared values with Africa. For former colonial powers like Britain, France, and Germany, their relations with Africa have always been driven by interests, not shared values. This lack of common ground is why they fail to understand the true nature of China-Africa cooperation. Instead, they attempt to interpret today’s relationships among Global South countries through their own historical lens, reducing it to Cold War-style alliances or even colonial-era bloc politics.
The relationship between China and Africa forms an all-weather community with a shared future - one based on genuine mutual recognition, not just a surface-level alliance or bloc. The key issue, I believe, is the inability of the Western countries to understand the deeper meaning behind the rise of Global South countries. This rise isn’t a mere repetition of the old Western path of power struggles and territorial expansion. Rather, it is largely a critique and reflection on Western-style modernization. We recognize that development is essential, but we also see how Western modernization has often been destructive and unjust. Therefore, our goal is to address these injustices through our own development, building a more equitable, inclusive, and commonly prosperous model of modernization, along with a new form of globalization characterized by peace, mutual development, and shared prosperity.
Without investing in and supporting Africa, China’s own development would be more difficult
Guancha.cn: In recent years, media coverage has primarily emphasized the mutual benefits of China-Africa relations, often highlighting how China has supported Africa. However, there has been less discussion over China. Some may question: What does China gain from this? Particularly now, as China’s economy experiences a painful period of structural adjustments, there are voices suggesting that Africa needs China more than China needs Africa. With Africa-China trade accounting for less than 5% of China’s GDP, many ask: What do we truly gain from providing such generous support to Africa?
Tang: The benefits are substantial and largely arise from the cooperative model between China and Africa. Our partnership is primarily market-driven, built on a mutually beneficial business model that has proven to be sustainable. This is why China-Africa cooperation has steadily advanced over the past two or three decades, growing ever closer. In this sustainable, win-win framework, it’s hard to determine who needs whom more - because this reflects the natural demands of modern industrialization and economic cooperation through division of labor.
Each party has its own strengths, and by working closely together, they drive productivity and promote economic and social development. Modern society functions like an assembly line - one side handles the front end, the other the back end, and neither can operate without the other. This collaboration boosts productivity, raising incomes and welfare at a much faster pace than in a closed economy. Without Africa, there would be a crucial gap in this assembly line, and China might end up operating in isolation. In the past, China could share production chains with Western countries, but with Africa now integrated into global industrial chain, it not only provides essential resources but also offers a vast market, making the entire production chain more complete and stable.
Infrastructure projects in Africa, along with everyday consumer goods, are largely not aid-based. African nations are paying for our construction contracts and purchasing our products, enabling Chinese companies to profit from local investments. This also creates valuable career opportunities for young people in China. For those who find domestic competition too intense, Africa offers an alternative. Increasing numbers of young Chinese are heading there, like Tsinghua graduate Dr. Fengze Cao, who found room to grow in Africa. He has gained immense satisfaction, both financially and in terms of career achievement. There are countless young people like Dr. Cao across Africa. Without such opportunities, especially under Western pressure, China’s economy could face significant challenges, potentially leading to political issues - a serious concern. To truly understand China-Africa cooperation, one must consider it within the broader framework of global modernization. This partnership exemplifies the global division of labor based on comparative advantages. Long-term, sustainable cooperation thrives on this principle, making it mutually beneficial. It’s not just a win for the governments of China and Africa, but also for the millions of ordinary citizens on both sides who can realize their development potential through this collaboration.
FYI: Pekingnology once briefed Dr. Fengze Cao’s story three years ago.
Guancha.cn: Speaking of the global industrial chain, it is currently undergoing a reshaping, with certain segments of China’s manufacturing industry relocating to countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. China has also proposed expanding intermediate goods trade, suggesting that some processing and manufacturing sectors may move abroad. In your view, could Africa become an ideal destination for the relocation of China’s manufacturing industry?
Tang: Industrialization is a vital component of Africa's modernization. It involves a specialized division of labor, enabling large-scale production and the development of competitive advantages in sectors like manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and even services and the digital economy. Manufacturing, in particular, has a broad impact, as it drives machinery production, boosts the real economy, and creates substantial employment opportunities. However, for some smaller African nations, large-scale industrial manufacturing may not be entirely feasible. Africa’s industrialization has been delayed not only by its colonial history but also by the current fragmentation of its administrative regions. The relatively small size of many African countries further complicates this process. Since industrialization depends on large-scale manufacturing, the dispersed and fragmented nature of African nations presents a significant obstacle to developing manufacturing hubs.
China has been the fastest-growing and largest industrializing economy in the world over the past few centuries, and even today, its industrialization momentum continues to thrive. This wave, led by China, is reshaping global development. It has already fueled industrialization in neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Cambodia, and now, Africa is being swept into this process, poised to experience its own industrialization. The expertise China has gained in government administration throughout its industrialization journey, along with the growth of its businesses from the ground up and its evolving industrial structure - particularly the experience of companies transitioning from labor-intensive sectors - are highly applicable to Africa’s current development stage. Additionally, industrialization is not solely about production; it also requires large-scale sales. Without robust market infrastructure and distribution networks, industrialization cannot be sustained. A well-developed market circulation system is therefore a crucial part of any industrialization framework.
China, during its reform and opening-up, not only attracts foreign investment for production but also enhances the entire market circulation system, fostering a thriving domestic and international market. For Chinese companies, Africa is not just a production base or a hub for raw material processing; it also represents a vast, untapped market with tremendous potential. Rather than simply relocating production capacity, Chinese companies conduct market research to identify local gaps. Through investment and operations, they tap into the potential of local consumers, creating new demand, stimulating the market circulation system, and generating industrial output and commercial value. This marks a new opportunity driven by South-South cooperation and industrial collaboration. With Africa serving as both a raw material source and a market with huge potential, Chinese companies can continuously “make the pie bigger.”
Strict debt management governs investments in Africa, ensuring no reckless spending
Guancha.cn: The achievements of China-Africa cooperation are need no further explaination, so let’s focus on the challenges. Starting with debt: Around 2020, some African countries, like Zambia, began facing debt issues. Reports suggest that debt restructuring agreements have been reached between China, the IMF, and other bilateral institutions. According to these reports, China has forgiven the debts of heavily indebted countries, while the IMF has provided additional loans or low-interest financing. Ghana is said to be the first beneficiary, with Zambia potentially next in line. How accurate is this reporting? Given that China is also dealing with domestic debt pressures, how can China ensure financial sustainability and mitigate risks when aiding or investing in Africa?
Tang: First, regarding the debt restructuring issue, China accounts for less than 5% of Ghana’s external debt, so there was no need for China to make significant concessions in Ghana’s debt restructuring. To my knowledge, China has not offered any debt relief or made major concessions for Ghana. Second, China rarely cancels debt. When debt relief is announced, it typically refers to a specific type of interest-free loan provided as part of China’s foreign aid, which is funded directly from the national treasury and has an aid-oriented nature. I recall that during the pandemic, Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China would cancel interest-free loans for 17 African countries, covering 23 loans owed to China by the end of 2021. However, the total amount of these loans was relatively small.
China is highly stringent when it comes to debt relief, a stance that became particularly clear during Zambia’s debt restructuring negotiations. Significant disagreements arose between China and multilateral institutions like the IMF over debt relief. Approximately one-third of Zambia’s external debt is owed to China, another third to commercial lenders, including bonds, and the remaining third to multilateral banks and other bilateral creditors. When the negotiations began a few years ago, Western countries pushed China to make substantial debt reductions. However, China insisted that Zambia’s debts to China were commercial loans, not aid-related, and therefore could not be easily written off, as they were governed by commercial contracts. After extensive discussions lasting two to three years between the Export-Import Bank of China and other relevant creditors, a debt restructuring agreement was finally reached in June 2023 in Paris. This agreement was negotiated between Zambia and its creditors, with China and France serving as co-chairs of its Official Creditor Committee (OCC).
The specific terms of the agreement have not been fully disclosed, but based on available information, while China did grant some debt relief, it was minimal - likely around 10%. The majority of the debt was restructured through extensions, following China's usual approach. During the pandemic, China also temporarily suspended debt repayments for the poorest countries, as China believes these nations still hold long-term development potential and are likely to move forward over time. Economic cycles are inevitable, and during downturns in African economies, China seeks not to worsen their situation but to wait for the upturns - such as when copper prices rise and economies recover - at which point these countries will have more resources to repay the deferred loans.
The example of Zambia highlights China’s strong commitment to financial sustainability and protecting its interests in overseas investments. However, commercial loans inevitably carry risks. In the past, when the global economy was strong, China was able to recover billions of dollars in loans from various African countries on time, and these loans generated positive local outcomes. But between 2018 and 2019, with falling commodity prices, and after the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, debt issues began to emerge. In an already volatile global economic environment, many African nations borrowed heavily through commercial bonds, which carried high interest rates and significant price fluctuations, further compounding their challenges. To make matters worse, these debts were dollar-denominated, and with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates in recent years, the cost of dollar borrowing surged, significantly increasing their debt repayment burden. This led to serious debt defaults in countries like Zambia, Ghana, and Ethiopia.
Initially, there were concerns that Africa’s debt crisis might spread across the continent like a domino effect, but since 2023, the situation has largely stabilized, with no further escalation. As a result, most of China’s loans have not been written off, nor have there been significant losses. While it’s crucial for us to learn from these cases, we shouldn’t entirely dismiss our lending practices in Africa due to a few instances of default. Institutions such as Export-Import Bank of China, the China Development Bank, and major banks like Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Bank of China currently follow strict debt sustainability guidelines and maintain rigorous standards for assessing the profitability of projects. Naturally, given China’s relative lack of experience in African markets and the inherent economic volatility in these countries, some missteps are inevitable. These cases should be addressed on their merits, ensuring proper accountability for any losses and applying appropriate rewards and penalties. In the broader context, however, we must maintain a clear understanding of China’s investment principles in Africa and continue to trust in the sustainability of the current market-driven cooperation model.
As pioneers, going to Africa is not about seeking comfort
Guancha.cn: Another challenge is personnel. China-Africa cooperation and Belt and Road projects are progressing rapidly, but behind them are the efforts of thousands of Chinese expatriates and their families. Unfortunately, this crucial aspect hasn’t received enough attention from media and the public. Some expatriates, like Cao Fengze, are driven by national pride and ambition, while others, like an ordinary girl, aims to save RMB2 million abroad and then retire. Yet, there are also worrying stories from Chinese in Africa. For instance, in Algeria, a Chinese female translator was raped, and a young woman from Guangxi tragically died of malaria in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Do you think there is room for improvement in ensuring the safety of China’s expatriate workers?
Tang: The environment in Africa can be quite challenging. In terms of safety, there are still significant risks, including coups, civil wars, terrorism, and social unrest. Moreover, the underdeveloped infrastructure means that basic healthcare and sanitation services are often lacking, and combined with issues of acclimatization, it’s easier to fall ill. I’ve heard of cases where people have died from illness or found themselves in unfortunate situations due to crime. From a safety perspective, companies should certainly do everything possible to protect their employees, and many Chinese enterprises have made substantial efforts in this regard. Much of this depends on the financial strength of the company. Larger corporations with more expatriate staff often establish dedicated employee compounds to ensure safety. In contrast, smaller companies, in an effort to save costs, sometimes house employees in more remote and less secure areas. This approach has both benefits and drawbacks.
This brings to mind Premier Zhou Enlai’s signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Mutual Assistance with African countries in the 1960s. One of the key provisions stated that Chinese experts would not receive special treatment but would be treated the same as local experts. This reflects China’s commitment to equality in its relations with Africa. While companies may have adopted different practices after the reform and opening-up, the principle are still upholded in many of China’s foreign aid projects. For example, doctors on medical aid missions and experts at agricultural demonstration centers continue to follow this approach. If you visit their work sites, you’ll find that they often live and work side by side with local people, sharing the same conditions. This spirit of equality, shared hardship, and mutual assistance is reflected in the smallest details.
In contrast, Western countries and companies tend to prioritize employee security and benefits more heavily. Their staff often reside in five-star hotels or large villas, with strict security measures in place for executives and their families. While their standards of safety and comfort are indeed higher than China’s, this comes at the cost of fostering a sense of superiority and creating a “master-servant” relationship with the local population. This dynamic also leads to significantly higher operational costs, which is one reason why Western companies have struggled to maintain their presence in Africa over the past decade. Chinese companies, on the other hand, have been able to achieve better results by operating at much lower costs.
Considering all factors, I believe that while China and Chinese companies must prioritize the safety of their employees, it must also be acknowledged that as pioneers, going to Africa is not about seeking comfort - it’s about embracing opportunities and building something new. Africa offers many development prospects, but with those come significant risks. If Africa provided the same level of comfort as China or the conditions of developed countries, it wouldn’t be our generation’s turn to explore and establish new frontiers there. In Africa’s early stages of industrialization, we Chinese must rekindle the spirit of hard work that we had in China 30 years ago. Without that perseverance, we wouldn’t be enjoying the comfort we have in China today. By enduring some hardship in Africa now, we are laying the foundation for a brighter future, not only for our descendants but also for the people of Africa, 40 years from now.
China and Africa Join Hands to Promote “Six Modernizations”
Guancha.cn: In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping introduced the new idea of China and Africa’s joint pursuit of modernization. Considering that Africa is still in the early stages of transitioning from agriculture to modernization, what do you think is the significance of this new idea?
Tang: This idea integrates the Chinese modernization with the joint China-Africa effort to build a community with a shared future for humanity. Judging from the responses of African leaders at the summit, it’s clear they strongly support and resonate with the idea of pursuing the “Six Modernizations” together. These include modernization that is just and equitable; open and win-win; puts the people first; featuring diversity and inclusiveness; eco-friendly; underpinned by peace and security. For both China and Africa, modernization signifies comprehensive societal transformation. It’s not just about industrialization, but also about establishing market circulation systems, improving government administration, training talent, maintaining public security, and transforming integrated systems. China’s vision of modernization is closely linked to global trends. In his speech, President Xi also criticized the inequalities and sufferings brought by the Western approach to modernization, emphasizing that while China and Africa must modernize, they will not follow the same path as the Western countries. Instead, a more equitable and mutually beneficial path will be pursued. This new proposal for China-Africa joint modernization reflects the recent thinking of CPC and China on key concepts such as the unprecedented changes in a century, the community of shared future for mankind, and China’s unique path to modernization. Moreover, it aligns with the aspirations of African friends through tangible, cooperative projects, truly embodying the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.
Guancha.cn: Data shows that China’s loans to Africa peaked in 2016, reaching USD28.4 billion, but have declined each year since, dropping to less than USD1 billion by 2022. However, in 2023, they rebounded for the first time to nearly USD5 billion. How do you view this decline in loans to Africa? Furthermore, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in 2023, among the eight actions proposed for high-quality BRI cooperation, China emphasized promoting “small yet smart” people-centered projects. This year’s China-Africa cooperation also includes the construction of 30 clean energy projects and 20 digital technology demonstration zones in Africa. Given these developments, does this suggest that in the next phase, China’s strategy toward Africa may shift - similar to China’s economic transformation - toward pursuing high-quality development, with greater focus on livelihoods, green initiatives, and aligning more closely with Africa’s industrialization to achieve win-win outcomes?
Tang: First, it’s true that China’s loans to Africa have decreased, falling to USD1 billion in 2022. However, it’s important to recognize that loans are just one part of China-Africa cooperation. In fact, trade between China and Africa has steadily increased, reaching a historic high of nearly USD282.1 billion in 2023. Additionally, China’s direct investment in Africa reached USD4.99 billion in 2021, and by the end of 2022, China’s stock of total direct investment in Africa had grown to USD47 billion. While China’s loans to Africa have seen a significant decline since 2016, the slight rebound in 2023 can be attributed to global financial market volatility in recent years, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by the sharp rise in U.S. interest rates and a strengthening dollar, all of which have driven up the cost of new loans for African countries.
One notable highlight of China-Africa cooperation this year is that, for the first time, China’s credit commitments to Africa are being made in RMB rather than USD. This change reflects China’s strategy to use RMB settlements in Africa to reduce the risks posed by high U.S. interest rates and exchange rate fluctuations. As mentioned earlier, during the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, China committed to implementing “small yet smart” people-centered projects. In his keynote speech at the Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi also highlighted the construction of 1,000 “small yet smart” projects, mainly aimed at livelihood development. These projects are likely to be overseen by the China International Development Cooperation Agency. While 1,000 projects may seem significant, they still represent only a small part of the broader China-Africa partnership. Besides these “small yet smart” projects, there are also 30 infrastructure connectivity projects and industrial chain cooperation initiatives, including the joint establishment of a digital technology cooperation center and the development of 20 digital demonstration projects. This demonstrates that the future of China-Africa cooperation is not solely focused on “small yet smart” people-centered projects. Large-scale infrastructure development and the creation of digital circulation systems remain crucial for industrialization, as they support the broader institutional and systemic development necessary for long-term growth.
In recent years, China’s economic development has increasingly focused on high-quality growth and new quality productive forces, and this transformation will inevitably influence Africa. At the forum today, for instance, we heard about cooperation projects on clean energy and digital technology - key elements of these new quality productive forces - which have now become significant areas of China-Africa collaboration. This reflects China’s efforts to help Africa industrialize while avoiding the pollution phases experienced by many other countries, enabling quicker adoption of advanced technologies and fostering eco-friendly modernization. While Africa has the advantage of being a latecomer and can learn from the experiences of others, it cannot completely bypass the early stages of industrialization. Substantial investment in basic infrastructure remains essential, and industrial capacity must be cultivated gradually. It’s crucial to avoid prematurely focusing too much on high-tech and high-quality development, as this process must be approached realistically and step by step.
This situation is somewhat reminiscent of the current relationship between the Western countries and Africa. Western countries, by overemphasizing high-tech solutions and high employee welfare, have produced products that are increasingly disconnected from the African market, ultimately leading to their decline. When we talk about high-quality development, we refer to something practical, tailored to local conditions, and achievable within the framework of Africa’s industrialization goals. The focus is on introducing cost-effective, efficient, and advanced technologies that meet local needs without compromising Africa's sustainable development. It’s not about offloading outdated technologies or pollution-heavy projects. China’s own modernization has followed a similar trajectory - starting with a focus on scale, then shifting to quality improvement, and ultimately prioritizing technological innovation. Africa will likely follow a comparable path, and with the positive momentum of China-Africa cooperation, its modernization journey may see innovations and standout successes along the way.
The newsletter is written by Yuzhe He, the founder of Gen-Z Glimpse. The personal newsletter solely reflects his perspectives, NOT those of others.
If you spot any errors or have feedback, please don’t hesitate to respond or send your comments to Yuzhehere@hotmail.com.