China and Africa to Deepen Economic and Trade Connections at FOCAC
China and Africa are poised to strengthen their economic and trade relations at the upcoming FOCAC summit.
TroibNews 
Situated 95 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa in the midst of the East African Rift, the Adama Wind Power Project features towering 80-meter-high white turbines. Developed by Chinese firms, this initiative represents a significant collaboration between China and African nations.
Since their inauguration in May 2015, these turbines have provided essential electrical power to approximately 600,000 homes. They have alleviated energy shortages in Ethiopia, decreased reliance on diesel-powered generators, and bolstered economic progression. The project has generated about 2,100 local employment opportunities, with several universities participating in the training and upkeep programs, equipping numerous individuals for prospective careers in the wind power sector.
Adama city itself has undergone considerable expansion, with its population increasing from 324,000 in 2015 to over 480,000 by 2023. This growth is attributed to enhanced infrastructure and foreign investments that have transformed the urban landscape. For residents of nearby villages, advancements in transportation, consistent electricity supply, and better access to education and healthcare services have significantly improved their standard of living.
Chinese companies have introduced sophisticated green technology to Ethiopia, aiding the government's renewable energy objectives. This cooperation has also played a role in promoting sustainable development and addressing global climate change challenges.
The friendship between China and African nations, solidified since World War II, has deepened through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These collaborations have involved a wide range of infrastructure projects, from transportation and energy to educational and healthcare facilities across Africa.
An example of such an impactful project is the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, crucial in connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti. This railway has significantly reduced travel times, lowered logistical costs, and spurred economic growth. To date, the service has moved 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million tonnes of cargo, showing an impressive annual revenue growth rate of 39 percent.
As per the white paper titled "China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals," published by China's State Council in 2021, Chinese enterprises have assisted African countries in constructing or revamping over 10,000 km of railways, close to 100,000 km of highways, about 1,000 bridges, nearly 100 ports, and 66,000 km of power transmission and distribution networks.
In addition to BRI projects, economic and trade relations between China and African countries have strengthened, evidenced by increasing trade numbers, diversified commodities, and services. China has remained Africa's top trade partner for the past 15 years, with the trade volume peaking at $282.1 billion in 2023, a 1.5 percent increase from the previous year. Trade transactions for the first seven months hit 1.19 trillion yuan, marking a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase.
According to Sang Baichuan, dean of the Institute of International Economy at China's University of International Business and Economics, "China-Africa trade has grown rapidly as a result of win-win cooperation. The Chinese economy and the economies of African countries are highly complementary, as China possesses mature and applicable technologies, equipment, and sufficient capital, while African countries have significant advantages in terms of manpower and natural resources."
"Strengthening trade ties between China and Africa is beneficial in leveraging their respective advantages and vast markets, achieving mutual benefits, and win-win development," said Sang.
Diane Sayinzoga, a senior official with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), praised the China-Africa trade relationship, noting its role in facilitating significant infrastructure projects crucial for the economic integration and growth of the African continent.
She emphasized that China's assistance aligns with UNCTAD's objectives of promoting sustainable development in Africa by enhancing manufacturing capacities, increasing trade opportunities, fostering economic diversification, and integrating African nations into the global value chain.
The upcoming 2024 FOCAC Summit, scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, is seen as a key opportunity for China and Africa to further consolidate their economic and trade relations, fostering mutual benefits and advancing shared development goals.
"FOCAC has led to numerous agreements on investment, trade and development projects between China and African countries to achieve shared development goals, which are perfectly in line with UNCTAD's mission," Sayinzoga stated.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
Since their inauguration in May 2015, these turbines have provided essential electrical power to approximately 600,000 homes. They have alleviated energy shortages in Ethiopia, decreased reliance on diesel-powered generators, and bolstered economic progression. The project has generated about 2,100 local employment opportunities, with several universities participating in the training and upkeep programs, equipping numerous individuals for prospective careers in the wind power sector.
Adama city itself has undergone considerable expansion, with its population increasing from 324,000 in 2015 to over 480,000 by 2023. This growth is attributed to enhanced infrastructure and foreign investments that have transformed the urban landscape. For residents of nearby villages, advancements in transportation, consistent electricity supply, and better access to education and healthcare services have significantly improved their standard of living.
Chinese companies have introduced sophisticated green technology to Ethiopia, aiding the government's renewable energy objectives. This cooperation has also played a role in promoting sustainable development and addressing global climate change challenges.
The friendship between China and African nations, solidified since World War II, has deepened through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). These collaborations have involved a wide range of infrastructure projects, from transportation and energy to educational and healthcare facilities across Africa.
An example of such an impactful project is the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, crucial in connecting Ethiopia and Djibouti. This railway has significantly reduced travel times, lowered logistical costs, and spurred economic growth. To date, the service has moved 680,000 passengers and 9.5 million tonnes of cargo, showing an impressive annual revenue growth rate of 39 percent.
As per the white paper titled "China and Africa in the New Era: A Partnership of Equals," published by China's State Council in 2021, Chinese enterprises have assisted African countries in constructing or revamping over 10,000 km of railways, close to 100,000 km of highways, about 1,000 bridges, nearly 100 ports, and 66,000 km of power transmission and distribution networks.
In addition to BRI projects, economic and trade relations between China and African countries have strengthened, evidenced by increasing trade numbers, diversified commodities, and services. China has remained Africa's top trade partner for the past 15 years, with the trade volume peaking at $282.1 billion in 2023, a 1.5 percent increase from the previous year. Trade transactions for the first seven months hit 1.19 trillion yuan, marking a 5.5 percent year-on-year increase.
According to Sang Baichuan, dean of the Institute of International Economy at China's University of International Business and Economics, "China-Africa trade has grown rapidly as a result of win-win cooperation. The Chinese economy and the economies of African countries are highly complementary, as China possesses mature and applicable technologies, equipment, and sufficient capital, while African countries have significant advantages in terms of manpower and natural resources."
"Strengthening trade ties between China and Africa is beneficial in leveraging their respective advantages and vast markets, achieving mutual benefits, and win-win development," said Sang.
Diane Sayinzoga, a senior official with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), praised the China-Africa trade relationship, noting its role in facilitating significant infrastructure projects crucial for the economic integration and growth of the African continent.
She emphasized that China's assistance aligns with UNCTAD's objectives of promoting sustainable development in Africa by enhancing manufacturing capacities, increasing trade opportunities, fostering economic diversification, and integrating African nations into the global value chain.
The upcoming 2024 FOCAC Summit, scheduled to take place from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, is seen as a key opportunity for China and Africa to further consolidate their economic and trade relations, fostering mutual benefits and advancing shared development goals.
"FOCAC has led to numerous agreements on investment, trade and development projects between China and African countries to achieve shared development goals, which are perfectly in line with UNCTAD's mission," Sayinzoga stated.
Lucas Dupont for TROIB News
