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.
国家粮食和物资储备局紧急部署做好寒潮雨雪天气应对工作 中新网北京2月18日电 (记者 陈溯)据气象部门预测，近期我国出现大范围寒潮雨雪天气，中央气象台18日将寒潮预警提升至橙色，且本轮寒潮天气过程与春运假期后 中新经纬2月19日电 (熊思怡)19日24时，国内成品油新一轮调价窗口将开启。机构普遍预计，本次成品油零售限价调整将搁浅。 本周期横跨春节假期前后，原油市场整体偏强运行。截至上周五(当地时间2月16日)收盘，WTI 3月原 龙年春节档的卖相与怪相 龙年春节档迎来尾声。回望春节前夕，无超级大片，多数影片都是熟面孔且不举行首映，观众进影院如开盲盒。以“贾玲减重100斤”为首的各种营销策略铺天盖地袭来，一度让部分观众产生逆反心理，对 当前，进一步推动我国经济回升向好需要克服一些困难和挑战，主要体现为有效需求不足、社会预期偏弱等问题。习近平总书记在中共中央政治局第十一次集体学习时强调，新质生产力是创新起主导作用，摆脱传统 中新经纬2月23日电 (林琬斯)“前一秒我还在想：开门送客还不简单？把门往外一推不得了。后一秒已经被‘同事’上了一节生动的‘开门’课。”近日，中新经纬以“体验顾问”的身份，在华为智能生活馆为顾客提供服务，在迎来送 实习期“双向侵权”如何破解？ 劳动时间长，拿到的报酬却很微薄；实习岗位上受了伤，无法获得工伤赔偿……权益受侵害难维权，让职校生实习遭受到多方诟病。与此同时，用心培养后很难留住优秀实习生，付出的人力物力“竹 。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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