Johannesburg, December 22 (Xinhua) — South Africa’s independent online news website published an article on the 21st by Gideon Sitanga, a researcher at the Africa China Studies Center at the University of Johannesburg, stating that against the backdrop of a new round of technological revolution and accelerated industrial transformation, Africa and China are continuously deepening cooperation in the fields of information and communication technology, digital infrastructure, and other emerging technologies, injecting new momentum into Africa’s economic and social development. The article summary is as follows:
With the rapid development of emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things, big data analytics, and artificial intelligence, Africa has the opportunity to leverage these new technologies and reliable technology partnerships to drive socio-economic transformation. It is expected that by 2030, relevant technologies can contribute approximately $1.5 trillion to the economic growth of Africa.
The technology partnership between Africa and China continues to expand, covering government departments as well as major telecommunications and mobile communication companies. Practice has proven that reliable partnerships can effectively bridge the digital divide and promote inclusive economic participation and growth. China has become the largest trade and development partner of the African continent, and actively promotes the development of the global South through the “the Belt and Road” initiative, the Forum on China Africa Cooperation and other initiatives.
The Chinese government and enterprises play an important role in the construction of communication infrastructure in Africa, participating in the construction of communication backbone networks and fiber optic networks, and providing technical support for medical, educational, and financial services. Both sides are also cooperating in the fields of renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. By establishing joint laboratories and research centers, initiating talent training programs, both sides will strengthen scientific research cooperation and support the cultivation of local scientific and technological talents in Africa.
Africa China cooperation has played an important role in bridging the digital divide in Africa. Looking ahead to the future, both sides should further deepen technological cooperation and regard it as one of the key areas to promote sustainable socio-economic transformation and modernization in Africa.