October 1st, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. In 1949, after winning the civil war, China emerged as a united and renewed nation, yet there was little to celebrate. At that time, China was merely another developing country grappling with a multitude of challenges.
Rebuilding the economy posed several significant obstacles. Decades of civil war had severely damaged infrastructure, impeding economic recovery and growth. Food security was a critical concern, as agricultural production was alarmingly low. Records indicate that approximately 80% of China’s population was illiterate, with the illiteracy rate in rural areas exceeding 95%.
Additionally, China’s healthcare system was in a dire state, characterised by a shortage of health institutions and an unequal distribution of resources between rural and urban areas. The health situation was further exacerbated by low life expectancy, high infant mortality rates, limited access to healthcare, a shortage of physicians, and an insufficient number of hospitals.
However, this situation did not last long, as the country’s leadership implemented a number of policies and programmes to respond to these pressing issues. These interventions allowed China’s political, social, and economic landscape to begin undergoing transformation in many ways. Under the stewardship of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the PRC achieved remarkable development within a short period, now dubbed the ‘economic miracle,’ which catapulted it to become the world’s second-largest economic superpower. The country’s leaders successfully transformed China from a largely agrarian society into a global economic powerhouse.
China has undergone profound economic and social transformations. Today, it boasts one of the largest education, social security, and healthcare systems in the world.
Economically, China’s GDP has grown significantly, making it one of the world’s largest economies. The focus has shifted from agriculture to manufacturing and services, with real GDP growth rates peaking at over 14% in the mid-2000s.
This massive economic growth has led to improved living standards and significant reductions in poverty. By 2020, the country announced that it had lifted all citizens out of extreme poverty.
Economic success at home has established China as an influential member of the international community, attracting many countries eager to form partnerships with it. This development has been further supported by China’s role as a key ally of the Global South. In particular, China has made significant contributions to Africa over the years, positioning itself as a vital partner in the continent’s development journey. These contributions have greatly benefited Africa in several key areas, including infrastructure development, financial and technical assistance, and trade cooperation, among others.
China has emerged as a major creditor, providing low-interest loans with long repayment periods, helping to fill the financing gap for development projects in Africa.
Through the development of critical infrastructure, China has promoted trade and economic growth while tackling Africa’s infrastructure deficit. The creation of economic and trade cooperation zones has aided local industrialisation and the establishment of value chains, generating jobs and enhancing manufacturing capabilities. Additionally, China’s investments in training programmes and technology transfer have empowered African nations to improve their human capital and technological skills. These investments across various sectors have resulted in job creation, particularly for the youth, helping to alleviate high unemployment rates and fostering economic stability.
These cooperative elements with China have strengthened Africa’s economic development goals, allowing countries to reap the rewards. Beijing has shown its commitment by aligning its development agenda with Africa’s. China is collaborating closely with Africa through robust initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), with Kenya being a key partner. Both FOCAC and BRI have provided significant benefits to Africa in numerous ways.
For example, these programmes have facilitated substantial investments in infrastructure, enhancing connectivity through roads, railways, and ports, which are crucial for trade and economic growth. They have also aided trade expansion, as China, with its huge market, now imports products worth billions from Africa, boosting African exports and improving trade balances.
Both initiatives emphasise industrialisation, agriculture, and technology transfer from China, supporting sustainable development and job creation in Africa.
At the same time, the two programmes promote education and training, enhancing skills among the African workforce, which is vital for economic development.
Leveraging these frameworks, the People’s Republic of China is fostering a mutually beneficial relationship, aligning with Africa’s long-term development goals while enhancing China’s influence in the region.
Just recently, during the FOCAC 2024 Summit in Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced that over the next three years, China will provide RMB350 billion ($51 billion) in financing to Africa. These funds will be used to implement projects under ten action plans that will be carried out between 2025 and 2027. Of this amount, RMB210 billion ($30 billion) will be allocated as a credit line to Africa, RMB80 billion ($11 billion) will be provided as financial assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion ($10 billion) will be invested by Chinese companies in Africa.
Reflecting on China-Africa ties, President Xi stated that the two sides are growing stronger and more resilient together by riding the tide of economic globalisation, delivering tangible benefits to billions of ordinary Chinese and Africans.
Xi further confirmed that China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider, providing all Least Developed Countries with diplomatic relations with China— including 33 countries in Africa— with zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines.
This move makes China the first major economy to take such a step, opening up opportunities for African countries in China’s large market. He stated that China will continue to expand market access for African agricultural products, strengthen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas, and launch a “China-Africa quality enhancement programme.”
To facilitate Africa’s industrial transformation agenda, China promised to launch an “African SMEs empowerment programme,” aimed at establishing a digital technology cooperation centre and initiating 20 digital demonstration projects. This is in addition to the continued implementation of infrastructure projects across Africa, with another 30 major infrastructure connectivity projects—forming a network that encompasses both land-sea links and coordinated development—set to commence and conclude in the next three years.
Other commitments will see China invest heavily in Africa’s health, agriculture, security, trade, clean energy, and education to address critical needs on the continent and help expedite the continent’s economic transformation.
Moreover, China advocates for a multipolar world where all countries, regardless of size, collaborate on shared challenges, fostering a model of equality and coexistence in international relations.
Latest trends show that China is currently taking the lead globally in several key sectors, illustrating its strategic focus on innovation and technology. China is excelling in Information and Communication Technology, with significant advancements in telecommunications, particularly in 5G technology, positioning itself as a leader in global standards and infrastructure development.
Furthermore, Chinese companies like Build Your Dreams (BYD) and Nio are at the forefront of the electric vehicle market, developing competitive technologies that reflect China’s commitment to sustainable transportation.
Tied to this is the fact that China has also risen to become the largest producer of solar panels and wind turbines, driving global renewable energy initiatives and investments that align with its goals for sustainable development.
In the field of artificial intelligence, China is rapidly advancing in AI research and applications, surpassing other nations in scientific publications and patents, which indicates its ambition to lead in this transformative technology.
This trajectory offers a promising outlook. As China celebrates its 75th anniversary, African countries will participate in the festivities, hopeful about the expanding opportunities for mutually beneficial partnerships that could pave the way for a more prosperous future for the continent.
China’s vision of a “Community with a Shared Future for Mankind” promotes a framework based on equality, mutual respect, and cooperation, which bodes well for Africa’s development.
The writer is a multimedia journalist at Kenya Broadcasting Corporation.
