Photo provided to Guangming Online
In an exclusive interview with Guangming Online, Dr. Balew Demissie, Communication and Publication Consultant at the Policy Studies Institute, Ethiopia’s government think tank, expressed his belief that Africa and China, with their shared histories and similar development trajectories, are destined to continue growing together. He emphasized that both regions face common challenges and require common solutions, underscoring the need for collaboration across various sectors, including academia and research.
Dr. Demissie pointed to one of the key initiatives that exemplify this commitment: a letter sent to President Xi Jinping with the aim of fostering stronger academic cooperation and research, particularly in the area of China-Africa relations. He explained, “Our primary goal is to achieve mutual growth, development, and progress by investing in human capital and enhancing research capabilities.” This initiative was warmly received by President Xi, who responded with encouragement, urging collaboration in three major areas: Africa-China relations, the Global South, and South-South cooperation. This endorsement has spurred continued efforts by African intellectuals and leaders to work together in these domains.
Shifting to a more specific example of Africa-China collaboration, Dr. Demissie discussed the evolution of Ethiopia-China relations. While the diplomatic ties between the two countries began in the 1970s with a focus on political matters, the relationship has transformed significantly over the years. The shift towards economic cooperation has been particularly marked since the late 1990s. Notably, China’s involvement in Ethiopia’s infrastructure development has been substantial, with one of the most significant projects being the Addis Ababa-Djibutie Railway. This crucial infrastructure, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, now facilitates 95% of Ethiopia’s imports and exports and has become the backbone of the nation’s economy.
Beyond infrastructure, China has contributed to Ethiopia’s telecommunications sector and played a key role in educating Ethiopian students. “Many Ethiopian students are now pursuing advanced degrees in China, a testament to the growing academic exchanges between our two countries,” Dr. Demissie noted. This development is complemented by ongoing efforts to build deeper cultural ties, such as Chinese cultural troupes visiting Ethiopia and Chinese restaurants opening in the country. The establishment of institutions like the Confucius Institute in Ethiopia, where Chinese language and culture are taught, further solidifies the bond between the two nations.
Dr. Demissie also highlighted China’s extensive technical and medical assistance to Ethiopia, particularly through training programs that have bolstered local capacity. He recalled the vital support offered by Chinese medical teams during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that China was among the first to send help when other nations were unable to do so. “These efforts were invaluable in strengthening Ethiopia’s health sector,” he said.
Looking forward, Dr. Demissie reflected on the lessons that African countries can learn from China’s modernization journey. While acknowledging that each country must follow its own path, he noted that Africa could draw valuable insights from China’s experience. “Africa should not simply copy China but adapt the lessons from its achievements,” he said. China’s success in infrastructure development and human capital investment, including the emphasis on education and technical training, provides a framework that African nations can use to accelerate their own development.
Dr. Demissie also pointed to China’s governance and leadership practices as exemplary models for Africa. The discipline, accountability, and long-term planning demonstrated by China, particularly through its five-year plans, are areas where African countries could benefit. “In many African countries, we lack consistent planning and institutional efficiency,” he observed. By adopting China’s approach to governance and strategic planning, Dr. Demissie believes Africa can move towards a faster-paced modernization.
In conclusion, Dr. Demissie expressed his optimism for the future of Africa-China cooperation, stating that while the path to modernization may not be immediate, the lessons drawn from China’s experience can guide Africa toward achieving sustainable growth and development. Through collaboration and shared commitment, both regions can address their common challenges and build a better future together.
中新经纬1月12日电 深圳市人力资源和社会保障局官方微信11日回应“深圳一公司男高管违法开除男员工”称，涉事公司经综合考虑该管理人员处理纠纷时存在不当言论及其他因素，于2023年2月对其进行降职处理，并于2023年3月 预约“手慢无”！各地春节文旅成绩单亮眼 中新网北京2月19日电(张钰惠)18日，文旅部发布数据显示，春节假期8天全国国内旅游出游4.74亿人次，同比增长34.3%，按可比口径较2019年同期增长19.0%；国内游客出游总花费6326.87 多地景区人气旺 世界同享中国年 龙年旅游消费迎来火爆开局 本报记者 潘福达 多家景区门票售罄约满、多地酒店“一房难求”、出入境旅游均增长明显……春节假期旅游消费火爆，成为拉动居民消费的主力军。根 新华社记者周义在福建省莆田市，“无忧电工”培训班的出现，为当地残障人士拓宽了就业渠道。“兼职电工，我的月收入平均增加1000多元。”通过培训获得电工证的第二批“无忧电工”梁志忠说话间难掩喜悦之情 新华社记者周楠、余春生、谢奔“路上快要结冰了，开车要注意安全。”2月21日中午，在省道S306茶垭段，寒风瑟瑟，湖南省桑植县竹叶坪乡政府工作人员李雅敏正和同事对过往车辆进行警示提醒。气象部门分析，受强 钛白粉出口热度不减 多公司开启年内第二轮涨价 本报记者 黄 群 近日，国内钛白粉企业再度提价，2024年钛白粉第二轮涨价开启。2月20日，先是龙佰集团、惠云钛业宣布当日上调各型号钛白粉销售价格。2月21日，中核 。本文链接：“We face common challenges and need practical solutions”: Dr. Balew Demissie on strengthening Africahttp://www.sushuapos.com/show-5-36958-0.html
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