PRC Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng - TDS Photo
PRETORIA - A total of 51 African leaders and President Xi Jinping have gathered to recommit to a major leap in Africa's modernisation and quality development. The Africa-China Summit, held from September 4-6, was the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years. This event is further evidence not only of China's commitment to Africa, but also a demonstration of its people's ability and capacity to successfully host and manage an event of this magnitude.
At a post-FOCAC event hosted by the South African National Press Club in Pretoria, China's ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng shared his thoughts and summarized the results. Ambassador Wu highlighted President Xi's emphasis on China-Africa relations, which are now the best in history. The growing trust between the Sino-African community can only lead to stronger relations as the faith between African nations and regional bodies deepens the integration of the continent. Africa has all the resources, people, mostly young and energetic, potential capacity and capability to emulate China's phenomenal progress and complement it as an equal global partner.
The secret of China's success is simply based on the trust that the Chinese people as a community place in the governance and leadership of their country. The whole democratic process is an example of how regular consultation and consensus building have enabled the Chinese government to fulfil the wishes of the people and achieve results. This kind of people-centered governance is the goal of Africa's Agenda 2063. It aims to integrate and streamline the bureaucracies of more than 50 African states and accelerate trade between and within African communities through the implementation of the AfCFTA free trade area.
China is now committed to strategic partnerships with 53 of Africa's 54 countries. As cooperation and relations between African regional blocs strengthen, the agreements should translate into regional cooperation that will greatly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the partnership. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects that have already been established will also gain greater capacity and capability as logistics and infrastructure will be linked. Connecting Africa will be a further boost to "the hallmark of China's cooperation with Africa, which has always been a willingness to deliver on promises and take real action," Ambassador Wu explained.
In recent years, China and Africa have jointly implemented the "Ten Cooperation Plans", "Eight Major Initiatives" and "Nine Programmes", which have brought tangible benefits to hundreds of millions of people.
"This time, President Xi Jinping announced the Ten Partnership for the next three years, which sets out specific and measurable goals that will deepen China-Africa cooperation and give a new impetus to modernization in the Global South," Wu said.
China will invite 1,000 members of African political parties to visit China, give zero tariff treatment to all products from 33 African LDCs, build supporting infrastructure for 10 industrial parks, carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects, carry out 1,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects, launch 20 medical facilities and malaria treatment programs, send 500 agricultural experts, launch 30 clean energy projects, and create at least one million jobs for Africa.
Ambassador Wu pointed to specific initiatives, including expanding the Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, offering 60,000 training opportunities, inviting 1,000 African cultural and tourism professionals to China to study, establishing platforms for media and cultural exchange in Africa, continuing the China-Africa Press Communication Center program, and declaring 2026 the "Year of China-Africa People-to-People Exchanges."
The Chinese government will provide financial support totalling RMB 360 billion yuan for the implementation of the "Ten Partnership Actions". This includes 210 billion yuan of credit line, 80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms and at least 70 billion yuan of investment by Chinese enterprises in Africa.
"In addition, China will encourage and support African countries to issue panda bonds in China with a focus on helping African countries achieve inclusive and sustainable development," reiterated Ambassador Wu.
Africa is the continent with the largest number of countries and borders and is also known for having the most armed conflicts, which are still ongoing. The political agendas of post-colonial regimes are well documented, yet there is only one nuclear power plant on the entire continent. This seems ironic because it has all the resources to build, fuel, manage and maintain a fleet of nuclear power plants that will fundamentally change Africa and the lives of Africans in many ways. Combined with plenty of clean green energy, Africa's growth could even outstrip the amazing progress of China itself. Agenda 2063 is working hard to 'silence the guns' on the continent because peace and stability will make it possible to realise the 'Africa we want', an Africa that is prosperous in every way.
South African presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya shares his views on President Cyril Ramaphosa's state visit to China and FOCAC - TDS Photo
Travel, tourism, hospitality, sports, recreation, health, wellness, rest, relaxation, hobbies, arts, culture and entertainment can be the impetus for creative innovation and, if well coordinated, can be the ultimate linchpin that brings people together in a cohesive and sustainable way in the face of their diverse beauty. The leisure created by quantum technological advances and the efficient and effective use of energy can stimulate the development of recreational and creative industries, which are proven income generators and job creators, and if resources diverted away from political conflicts are channelled into these sectors, they can become an asset for harmonious coexistence.
The progressive and proactive role of the news media took centre stage when journalists from various media outlets shared their experiences of attending FOCAC and accompanying South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on his state visit to China. The value of the media in society is constantly under scrutiny. A revival and rejuvenation of their role is at hand as the proper understanding of information and communication is explored and the market segmentation of audiences grows, enriched especially by the multiplicity of languages and the multitude of communication platforms.
China recognises that people are essential to governance and progress as it takes a leading position globally. China is sensitive to criticism in order to respond constructively and proactively. The people's enthusiasm to share experiences is part of its collective ideology, which encourages others to draw on its successes and experiences to learn and improve on missteps.
The Diplomatic Society/ gnews - RoZ_07
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