KEY POINTS
- China and Zambia strengthen cooperation through partnership actions.
- President Hichilema highlights Africa’s role in the global green revolution.
- Revitalization of TAZARA railway seen as a key milestone for trade and logistics.
China’s 10 proposed partnership actions have set a clear path for strengthening cooperation between China and Africa, according to Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
The actions, which focus on key areas such as economic development, trade, education, and energy security, were presented at the recent 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing. Hichilema highlighted the significance of these partnerships in driving sustainable development for both Africa and China.
Cooperation for mutual growth
Speaking during an interview on the sidelines of the FOCAC summit, Hichilema emphasized the critical role that the partnership actions play in the collaboration between China and African nations.
“These actions focus on a range of critical areas, including economic development, investment, education, culture, and energy security,” Hichilema said.
As reported by China Xinhua News on a post on X, he further noted that these partnerships have the potential to enhance food and energy security while improving the overall well-being of citizens.
Hichilema also praised the opportunity for Africa to contribute to the global green revolution. “Turning to a greener economy and energy will create a safer and more sustainable future for the world. This shift will generate jobs not only in Africa but also in China,” he said, underscoring the broader significance of the partnership.
Modernization of the global south
During the interview, Hichilema also touched on the modernization of the Global South, stressing that the region no longer relies solely on the Global North for development.
“The Global South, including Africa, has significant resources and advanced technologies. Our task now is to utilize them more efficiently,” he said.
Zambia, along with other African nations, is keen to leverage its natural resources and the latest technological advances to drive sustainable development and economic growth.
Hichilema described how collaboration with China has helped achieve these goals and how it will continue to play an important role in the future.
Tazara railway revitalization
A key focus of the partnership actions is the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway. Hichilema called the railway a “heritage asset,” noting its importance in improving logistics, trade, and market access in the region.
The TAZARA railway, built in the 1970s with Chinese assistance, serves as a vital transportation link between Zambia and Tanzania.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with Hichilema and Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding to revitalize the TAZARA railway during the FOCAC summit.
“The revitalization opens up Africa for logistics and trade, benefiting producers and expanding access to markets,” Hichilema said.
