- The continent's experts made a call that going forward, relations should free Africa from the harm caused by colonisation.
- This followed concerns that despite decades-long relations with China and the benefits that accrued from it, disparities remain.
Image: MOSES ODHIAMBO
Experts from China and Africa gathered in Dar es Salaam on Friday to review collaboration between the continent and the Asian economic powerhouse with a call for ties beyond infrastructure development.
Among issues that featured in the deliberations included the debt question and the attendant interest.
Experts cited challenges with countries fearing to lose their sovereignty, impact of grand infrastructure projects on environment and security of long term investments as among issues still troubling China Africa relations.
The continent's experts made a call that going forward, relations should free Africa from the harm caused by colonisation.
This followed concerns that despite decades-long relations with China and the benefits that accrued from it, disparities remain.
The China-Africa Think Tanks Forum, the thirteenth of the series, also sought an analysis of all projects executed by China and its expatriates to ascertain their value with a view to informing the gaps that exist.
Lu Shan, who is the Vice Governor of Zhejiang Province People's Government, graced the meeting which was attended by various scholars from major African universities and professional institutes.
Kenya was represented by the African Policy Institute.
Among the declarations was that Africa and China enhance ties on education, cultural exchanges and trade.
"This is the right direction for cooperation. We hope to meet frequently, deepen understanding and friendship," Shan said.
He said that China, through the Zhejiang Province People's Government, would live by the principles informing its relations with Africa under the Forum for China Africa Cooperation (Focac).
He observed that the ties have been evident in the face of 20 Chinese universities establishing institutes in Africa.
Shan also highlighted the thousands of students who have been airlifted to China for various studies.
"We have had more than 6,100 study in universities within Zhejiang. We look forward to more of them coming in the near future," he said.
Chinese ambassador to Tanzania Chen Mingjian underscored the need for Africa and China to work together on more interventions.
"With the development deficit, security challenges, we need to change the course of history. This requires the efforts of countries coming together.
"When we have small boats, we will not weather the storm. But if we make a big ship, we will pull through," Mingjian said.
The envoy added: "The course of history will be shaped by the choices we make."
The experts called upon countries to strengthen their local level cooperation to deal with the disparities.
"Africa is still experiencing the harm of colonisation. We need to recover and address our issues," said Nzeza Matadi, a journalist from DRC.
Cao Junfeng, a PhD student at Zhejiang Normal University, said Africa had huge prospects, markets and just needs development synergy to scale its challenges.
"The ascension of the African Union to the G20 offers the golden opportunities for Africa's growth. Africa stands to improve it's international economy," he said.
The Chinese expert underscored the need for African governments to ensure effective use of resources, respond to humanitarian situations, and climate change.
"Africa is a beacon of hope. An Africa with peace and prosperity is possible," Cao said.