The Chinese embassy in Namibia nominated me to attend a seminar on Chinese Modernisation and African Development, which took place in the East China province of Anhui from 29 October to 6 November 2024.

China’s successes in its modernisation

At this pivotal moment, the world community is confronted with opposing viewpoints on modernisation, development and anti-globalisation movements. Concerning the direction of global socio-economic growth, this intersection marks a turning point marked by complex discussions and conflict. The conflict between those who support higher levels of global modernisation and development strategies to promote economic growth and development, and those who oppose them, such as through politics of protectionism, isolationism and hegemony, is highlighted by current discourse after the reform and opening-up policies of 1978, which brought in foreign technology and capital, while upholding China’s commitment.

As a result, China’s economy grew from being impoverished and undeveloped to becoming a major economic force. Additionally, China’s development strategy extended beyond its boundaries by adopting the idea of creating a community with a shared future for all people. Furthermore, Africa’s ascent in the 21st century has been largely attributed to Chinese modernisation, which has encouraged the continent to pursue its modernisation path on its own. China has invested more than US$200 billion in Africa overall due to the Going Global strategy, particularly in developing nations. While investing in small but attractive projects like drilling water boreholes that impact livelihoods, Chinese companies have also constructed mega infrastructure projects in Africa, including railroads, highways, ports, airports, special economic zones and industrial parks. 

By drawing in foreign investment, creating jobs locally, lifting people out of poverty and progressively guiding populations towards a prosperous and well-off life, this has significantly enhanced the continent’s economic development. 

Harmony in development

Attending the Chinese Modernisation and African Development seminar in Anhui, where we toured most of the towns, private companies and villages, was an interesting experience. In 2023, the GDP of Anhui province was estimated to be around 4.7 trillion yuan. With a population of roughly 63 million, the province is the eighth, most populated area in China. These businesses have attempted to reform and adapt to achieve innovation. Africa can learn a lot from China. 

Moreover, president Xi Jinping stated in his remarks at the 2024 FOCAC Summit that the friendship between China and Africa endures across time and space, mountains and oceans, and is passed down through the generations. This relationship dates back hundreds of years when Chinese sailors made multiple trips to the African continent, and African traders, tourists, and scholars interacted with China. Thus, by supporting the idea that every person deserves respect and dignity, as well as the advancement of values that support freedom and independence, this partnership reflects modern-day China’s dedication to humanism and harmony. 

This is demonstrated by the high-level visits made by Chinese and African leaders over the years, which led to revolutionary policies that are now essential to Africa’s success. 

In retrospect, the 1980s dubbed the lost decade for the continent, a complicated socio-economic crisis brought on by the externally-adopted modernisation model. Africa’s attempts to chart a different course for modernisation and economic recovery were thwarted by dictatorships. The majority of African nations were caught between the emergence of modern nationalism, and the pursuit of nationhood because they were modelled to adopt the colonial style of governance. 

China will catalyse the growth and development of countries in the Global South, thanks to its revolutionary modernisation process, and the adoption of top-notch productive forces that support innovation-driven development. More than 850 million people have been lifted out of absolute poverty, the largest in human history, as a result of China’s peaceful ascent, which has allowed it to meet its industrialisation goals and become the first nation to meet the 2030 United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development.  

China’s economy has grown to become the second-largest in the world, and it is now the largest trader of goods, the largest holder of foreign exchange reserves, and the largest manufacturer, earning the title of world’s factory. More than 400 million Chinese have now entered the middle-class, making it the largest middle-class in a single nation in the world. At the same time, more than 1.4 billion people are moving towards full modernisation. China has been Africa’s biggest trading partner for 15 years running, thanks to this accomplishment. In 2023, bilateral trade reached a record US$282.1 billion, up 1.5% from the previous year. 

Sino-Namibia friendship

The coordinated modernisation efforts of Namibia and China will spark a modernisation wave, and usher a new era in the quest for a global community with a shared future. The China-Namibia partnership has the potential to propel the renewable energy revolution, and serve as a catalyst for significant changes in food systems and digital connectivity. 

It is worth noting that Namibia can optimise China’s assistance in areas ranging from trade to information systems, finance and technology. Namibia can take advantage of trade between Africa and China by participating in the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE).  

Recalling a seminar I attended in China, I concluded that Namibia and China are dedicated to transforming opportunity for the businesses that drive Namibia’s growth. These partnerships are indispensable to fostering deep connections and expanding into new markets for Chinese and Namibian businesses. Indeed, the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) seeks to connect Asia and Africa to promote trade, boost economic growth, and fortify regional integration. China’s continuous efforts to satisfy the infrastructure gaps in sub-Saharan Africa could increase the continent’s GDP and give people hope. 

The African Continental Free Trade Area will also boost the continent’s industrial development and improve trade and investment ties with Chinese investors.  With Africa’s economies becoming more integrated, there will be a lot of opportunities for companies in consumer-facing industries like retail, finance and telecommunications, as well as those in resource, infrastructure and agricultural value chain-related industries. The China-Namibia cooperation fosters reciprocal development assistance and significant benefits to both countries. 

As we work towards Vision 2030, China is promoting ecological civilisation, building infrastructure, bolstering connectivity, and encouraging industrialisation. 

In conclusion, China has committed to supporting collective development, and working towards a more equitable and representative global order. Instead of being dominated by any one country, it promotes globalisation founded on fair participation. The rest of the world finds great inspiration in Chinese modernisation.

*Josef Kefa Sheehama is an independent economics and business analyst.