China and 26 African Nations Unite to Enhance Digital Innovation

In a move to strengthen digital partnerships, China and 26 African countries have committed to bolstering innovation within the digital sector. This collaboration was cemented during the Forum on China-Africa Digital Cooperation, hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology in Beijing on July 29.

Senegal’s Minister of Telecommunications, Alioune Sall, expressed optimism about the forthcoming changes over the next three years. “This digital cooperation between China and Africa is win-win, and will bring benefits to our countries, the African continent, and China through the setting up of innovative infrastructures,” Sall stated.

A joint action plan was issued by the participating parties, outlining the implementation of 10 digital transformation demonstration projects and the training of at least 1,000 professionals in the digital field. This initiative aims to reinforce partnerships in digital policy, infrastructure, cutting-edge innovation, digital transformation, security, and talent nurturing over the next three years.

In recent years, China has established numerous digital cooperation agreements with African governments. According to the China Academy of Information and Communications Technology (CAICT), Chinese firms are actively involved in enhancing network infrastructures across the continent, positively impacting over 900 million people. This includes the deployment of undersea cables and the launch of data centres by Chinese companies.

Main Image: CGTN