Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, the African Union (AU) High Representative for Silencing the Guns, has called on African states to draw lessons from China’s remarkable development if the continent is to achieve its dream of progress. Addressing participants at the 2023 Abuja Forum, a conference organized by the Gusau Institute in collaboration with Zhejiang Normal University, Chambas emphasized the need for African countries to closely examine the Chinese experience.
In his keynote address, Chambas stated, “Many commentators see China’s rapid development as a miracle, but it is evident that this was no miracle. It was the outcome of careful planning guided by a national vision.” He highlighted the importance of meticulous planning and the discipline of policy implementation in China’s success story. Chambas lamented the lack of follow-through on policy implementation in Africa and expressed hope that partnerships with China could help instill a culture of implementation and delivery.
Chambas discussed China’s initiatives for global economic integration, namely the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the “International Capacity Cooperation” initiative. He emphasized the importance of these initiatives in promoting economic connectivity and supporting Africa’s industrialization drive. Chambas also commended China for its ability to develop while preserving its culture, emphasizing that development should be a positive evolution of culture.
As the AU High Representative for Silencing the Guns, Chambas expressed optimism about the peacebuilding aspects of the Africa-China relationship. He noted that China and Africa are working together to pursue peace, resolve differences through dialogue, and seek African solutions to African problems. Chambas called for a durable and mutually beneficial partnership between Africa and China, to help Africa realize its vision outlined in Agenda 2063.
Speaking at the conference, retired Lt.-Gen. Aliyu Gusau, the Founder of the Gusau Institute, emphasized the importance of effective collaboration between Africa and China. He highlighted the need for a new strategic framework to tackle the challenges of today’s world and asserted that shaping a stable and inclusive international order requires collaborative efforts.
The conference also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Gusau Institute and Zhejiang Normal University. The MoU aims to promote academic collaboration, conference hosting, book-writing, student exchange, and information sharing on funding opportunities for academic purposes.
In conclusion, Chambas’ call for Africa to learn from China’s development experience, coupled with the emphasis on effective collaboration between Africa and China, signifies the potential for fruitful and mutually beneficial partnerships. It is vital for African countries to carefully analyze and adapt successful strategies from the Chinese model while ensuring the preservation of their own history, culture, and way of life. Through strategic planning, disciplined implementation, and the pursuit of peace and security, Africa can pave the way for a prosperous future.
NAN
