AU, China Deepen Talks on Infrastructure, Energy and Digital Transformation

The African Union Commission and China are exploring deeper continental cooperation in infrastructure, energy and digital transformation as both sides seek to align Chinese investment and expertise more closely with Africa’s development priorities.

The discussions were held between African Union Infrastructure and Energy Directorate Director Dr Kamugisha Kazaura and a Chinese delegation led by Peng Huagang, President of the China Enterprise Reform and Development Society (CERDS).

The delegation included officials from China’s State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), CERDS and the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to the African Union.

Dr Kazaura welcomed the delegation and acknowledged China’s significant role in Africa’s infrastructure development, particularly in roads, railways, ports, energy infrastructure and submarine cable networks.

He, however, stressed the importance of viewing infrastructure development beyond individual countries, noting that projects implemented through bilateral agreements can also contribute to wider continental integration when aligned with African Union frameworks.

Kazaura cited the Ethiopia-Djibouti Railway and Kenya’s Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, including its extension to Naivasha, as examples of projects that have generated regional benefits by improving connectivity and supporting trade.

The scale of China’s involvement in Africa’s infrastructure sector was also highlighted through the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa’s first Priority Action Plan (PIDA-PAP1).

By the end of 2020, China accounted for about US$19.42 billion, or approximately 24 percent, of the US$82 billion in investment commitments mobilised under PIDA-PAP1.

Kazaura outlined several major African Union initiatives aimed at transforming the continent’s infrastructure landscape, including PIDA, the African Single Electricity Market (AfSEM), the Continental Power System Masterplan (CMP), the African Integrated Railway Network (AIRN) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

He said the initiatives are designed to improve continental connectivity, facilitate trade, strengthen energy integration and promote the free movement of people.

Peng Huagang said China remained committed to supporting Africa through platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative and bilateral partnerships with African countries.

He also highlighted China’s experience in reforming state-owned enterprises and said Beijing was prepared to share its knowledge, technical expertise and technology with African partners.

The meeting ended with both sides agreeing on the need for more structured engagement at the continental level, with future cooperation expected to build on existing successes while ensuring that Chinese capabilities are aligned with African Union frameworks and the continent’s long-term development priorities.

Source:TechReview Africa