FROM every corner, Africa is endowed with abundant natural resources that can help to boost economic prosperity of her people if properly utilised but still, the continent is yet to fully benefit from the resources that it contains.
There is enough land capable for agriculture and industrial production, not forgetting massive availability of water sources as well as minerals which are key when it comes to making a breakthrough economically.
Another important remedy that can help Africa to develop at a fast rate is the presence of peace and security, bearing in mind the fact that in most parts of the continent there are peaceful relations.
Similarly, the continent has a young labour force which can also play a vital role in terms of orchestrating development and the good thing is that Africans are well known for their hardworking mentality.
Whenever there is peace, it becomes easy for development to take place, because people concentrate on production activities with peaceful minds without thinking of where to run for safety.
However, there are many things that the continent can also learn from China-a country which was very poor in the past decades, but now ranks second in the economic powerhouse of the world.
In this regard, a lot needs to be learnt from them especially on how they were able to use their resources and clear their path towards economic independence, and especially to reach this far.
Just recently in Dar es Salaam, an engaging dialogue was held under the theme: ‘Global Opportunities in Deepening China’s Reforms in the New Era’ that was organised by CMG Asian and African Languages Programming Centre and China Media Group – Nairobi.
In his opening remarks, the Guest of Honour An Xiaoyu who is the General Director of Asian and African Languages Programming Centre noted that the opening door policy that China embraced highly sparkled its economic growth.
“China began its reform and opening-up process over 40 years ago, establishing it as a fundamental national policy. Reform and opening-up have become essential tools for China to rapidly catch up with the times.
“From 1978 to 2010, China’s economy surged from the 11th largest in the world to the second largest within just 30 years. Subsequently, due to a combination of factors, China’s reform entered a more complex phase.
“Over a decade ago, President Xi Jinping of China, with his historical sense of responsibility and political courage, led the country’s reform from localised exploration to systematic integration and as well promoted comprehensive deepening of reform, lifting nearly 100 million people out of poverty and advancing China toward the goal of building a moderately prosperous society, achieving the first centenary goal of the Party.
“The initiatives he proposed, including the Belt and Road Initiative and the three global initiatives, as well as the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, have contributed to the country’s wisdom and solutions to the world,” he said.
In the face of a complex international and domestic environment, a new round of technological revolution, and the Chinese people’s new expectations for a better life, the Communist Party of China, under Xi Jinping’s leadership, has proposed further comprehensive deepening of reform from a new historical starting point.
“This reform is driven by economic system reform, aimed at promoting social fairness and justice, and enhancing the wellbeing of the people, providing strong momentum and institutional guarantees for Chinese-style modernization.
“The principles guiding the reforms in the new era include: upholding the comprehensive leadership of the Communist Party of China, putting people at the center, adhering to innovation while maintaining integrity, focusing on institutional development, ensuring comprehensive rule of law, and adopting a systematic approach. These principles embody China’s wisdom and valuable experience.
“The blueprint outlined by the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee represents a “mutual journey” between China and the world… by continuously advancing high-quality development and high-level opening-up, China aims to share opportunities with the world and achieve mutual benefits.
“This will inject precious certainty into a world filled with uncertainties, creating more development opportunities and providing new momentum for promoting common development and prosperity for humanity,” he said. “We place great importance on media cooperation with Tanzania and East Africa, actively promoting cultural exchanges and expanding our “circle of friends.”
“During our visit to Tanzania, we engage in extensive discussions with media colleagues, negotiating the establishment of a “China-East Africa Media Partnership Cooperation” mechanism.
“This will include regular programme exchanges, online and offline audience engagement activities, personnel exchanges, and program awards, fostering mutual learning among civilizations and creating a platform for collective intelligence and consultation for those on the path of modernization.
“We also extend an invitation to all media friends to participate in our cooperation mechanism. During the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September, we will invite representatives of our partners to visit Beijing, and we hope to welcome you there,” he said.
On his part, Dr. Francis Matambala who is a wellknown Tanzanian International Economist said in order for Africa to develop, it must be well prepared in terms of using well the available resources.
“The main thing that drags this continent backward is that we lack adequate policies and measures that will ensure that all the resources in this beautiful continent are well used.
“We have a 60 percent of unused land in Africa which can be used for agriculture and industrial production including enough water bodies ideal for Blue Economy, but do we have practically implemented policies to manage well all these?
“We can learn a lot from China like being economic independent…we are politically independent but still are victims of economic colonialism which continue to deprive our resources,” he noted.
In his remarks, Chairman Institute of Kiswahili Studies Prof. Aldin Mutembei observed that adoption of one language in Africa can accelerate the process of development since people will be trading using one common language.
“Our colleagues in China succeeded to use one language in their activities and they benefited a lot from it… likewise, here in Africa, we have to apply the same system of establishing one language to be used by all of us.
“It is encouraging to see that Kiswahili language has since been admitted at Africa Union (AU), Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC) meaning that its popularity is widening and this is essential to make it an African language,” he said.
Also, Humphrey Moshi who is a Professor of Economics, Director Centre for Chinese Studies at the University of Dar es Salaam demanded that African leaders should not be selfish if the continent is to achieve economic growth.
“Most of them, what they preach on their podiums is not what happens on the ground and this cannot take us anywhere unless they make a U-turn and start implementing the setup goals accordingly,” he said.
