by Wahali Djimet Wiche
Editor, Director of Publication of Union of Chad Journalistes (UJT) Alwihda info, Chad
China is the leading power involved in Africa’s development through a win-win partnership based on the full respect of African states’ sovereignty. This bilateral cooperation has enabled Africa to boost its economy and establish itself on the international stage in diplomacy and international cooperation. In a global economic context characterized by a fourth industrial revolution driven by artificial intelligence and marked by multiple geopolitical, ecological, food, and energy challenges, Africa merits exploring practical and sustainable strategies to stimulate growth by leveraging China’s expertise. For Africa, China provides an opportunity to communicate its vision of cooperation and openness, as well as the opportunities that its quality development offers to all African countries. During various meetings with African states, China has committed to accelerating the creation of a first-class market-oriented business environment, strengthening the rule of law, and further supporting the development of all types of enterprises.
China has trained numerous executives from various higher education and vocational training institutions who can highlight the importance of the African continent in the global economy and position their respective countries as competitive investment destinations. The numerous bilateral cooperation meetings offer a platform that allows African states to draw inspiration from Chinese modernization to build a sovereign and prosperous Africa. China’s rapid development serves as a compass for the global economy, indicating that the Global South, alongside China and other emerging economies, is poised to play a much more significant role in the world economy. Chad and China have begun to strengthen their bilateral cooperation in several areas, allowing this landlocked Central African country to emerge from underdevelopment. Since 2022, China and Chad have agreed to implement three major projects in the sectors of electronic communications, sports, and vocational training for Chad’s benefit, according to the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Chad.
The first project concerns the modernization of electronic communications infrastructure, with work being over 51% complete. It mainly consists of three parts: the construction of a national data center, the modernization of Sotel Group (the public telecommunications company), and the installation of fiber optics.
The second project involves the construction of a stadium in N’Djamena, the Chadian capital. In addition to the 30,000-seat stadium, other facilities are planned, including a running track, a football field, two basketball courts, a handball court, a tennis court, parking, and other necessary facilities.
The third project concerns the construction of a vocational training school that will include classrooms, laboratories, operation workshops, offices, dormitories for teachers and students, a cafeteria, equipment rooms, etc. “Vocational training is a real challenge for socio-economic development. We expect this school to be a constant source of talent for Chad,” concluded the Chinese Embassy in Chad.
Since the resumption of its diplomatic relations with China in 2006, Chad has benefited from several major achievements, including the construction of the Women’s House, the Palace of Democracy (the National Assembly building), a refinery in Djarmaya, 60 km north of the capital, roads, bridges, and schools, not to mention extensive cooperation in the health sector.
From the above, it is clear that China’s leading role on all fronts qualifies it to play a significant role on the international stage and to establish strong relationships with the peoples of the world based on understanding, mutual respect, and common interests.
*The views and opinions expressed in the articles are solely those of the individual authors and do not reflect the position of the Secretariat of the Belt and Road Journalist Network.