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China seeks to expand influence in Africa with more digital projects
- Assistant foreign minister tells forum that cooperation will be stepped up in areas like the digital economy, smart cities and 5G networks
- It comes as strategic rival the United States is also trying to boost trade and investment with African nations
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China said it would step up digital cooperation and investments in Africa, as Beijing seeks to deepen its influence on the continent alongside its pledges for trade, infrastructure and Covid-19 vaccines.
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At a time when the US is also seeking to reinvigorate its trade and investment with Africa, assistant foreign minister Deng Li told a virtual forum on Tuesday that China would boost its partnership with African nations in areas such as the digital economy, smart cities and 5G networks.
“China will share the achievements of digital technology with Africa to promote interconnectivity of digital infrastructure,” he said. “China’s initiatives will never just remain a vision on paper, and [we] will work with Africa to formulate and implement the China-Africa digital innovation partnership plan to achieve results as soon as possible.”
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Deng, whose portfolio includes Africa and Europe, said the cooperation was part of the Digital Africa initiative proposed during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to the continent in January to shore up ties.
The latest digital push in Africa comes as Beijing has sought to make greater inroads on the continent, including with donations and sales of Chinese Covid-19 vaccines to African countries and projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. China’s strategic rival the United States has also sought to strengthen engagement with African nations through its Prosper Africa programme.
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