China Media Group hosts workshops on China-Africa relations

Dozens of South African and Chinese scholars, and political representatives met this week in Johannesburg, South Africa, to share their visions on the development of China-Africa relations. 

The workshop under the theme “Opportunities Arising From Chinese-style Modernization" was hosted by China Media Group (CMG) Africa.   

The participants' discussions focused on the alignment of China’s unique path to modernization and Africa Union’s Agenda 2063.

In Nairobi, Kenya, a similar workshop was held on Friday, March 17. Likewise, it brought together African and Chinese scholars to share their insight on the development of relations between the two countries.

The workshop participants interacted with students from the University of Nairobi on topics such as China’s unique path to modernization, its adherence to peaceful development, the promotion of multilateralism, and new opportunities for cooperation between Africa and China.

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, a Kenya-based international relations scholar, in a recent interview with Xinhua.

Adhere attributed Africa's rapid economic take-off 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 prioritised, he said that it is best suited for Africa where people-centered growth is key to sustaining cohesion.

"We still hope to see China's internalisation in terms of resource mobilisation, 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.

-Additional information from CMG Africa