(Hello Africa) Hard connectivity, soft kills fuel Africa's industrialization with China's support

As China and Africa work together to lay down the cornerstones of development through "hard connectivity" in infrastructure and "soft connectivity" in talent training, industrialization is emerging as a powerful engine driving Africa's modernization.

by Xinhua writer Yan Ran

NAIROBI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Port networks stretch across the continent, solar panels gleam under the African sun, and factory floors buzz with activity -- this dynamic scene captures the evolving landscape of China-Africa industrial cooperation. As the two sides work together to lay down the cornerstones of development through "hard connectivity" in infrastructure and "soft connectivity" in talent training, industrialization is emerging as a powerful engine driving Africa's modernization.

In recent years, China and Africa have tapped their complementary strengths to achieve tangible results. Roads, bridges, airports, and ports built with Chinese expertise are not only transforming local landscapes but also integrating African countries into regional and global trade networks. At the same time, initiatives like Luban Workshops and sector-specific vocational training are equipping young Africans with practical skills, fostering a generation of professionals.

With solar power plants springing up across the continent, green energy is powering the next phase of industrial growth. Together, China and Africa are advancing comprehensive, multi-level, and high-quality cooperation, charting a shared path toward sustainable development and prosperity.

RESHAPING ECONOMIC LANDSCAPE

Connectivity is the lifeline of economic growth. Confronted with vast territories, uneven development, and weak industrial bases, African countries are leveraging cooperation with China to promote regional coordination.

In May, Cameroonian authorities inaugurated the second phase of Kribi Deep Seaport in the southern part of the country. Constructed by the China Harbor Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC), the Kribi Deep Seaport is the first deep seaport in Cameroon and the biggest in the Central Africa region.

"Kribi is undergoing a remarkable transformation," said Patrice Melom, general manager of the Kribi Port Authority. "Previously, the port in Douala could only handle vessels under 10,000 tons, but here, docking 100,000-ton ships is now standard."

The port has outperformed expectations, he stressed.

Since the CHEC completed the first phase in 2018, Kribi Deep Seaport's cargo throughput has grown by an average of 22 percent annually, attracting over 60 companies and creating more than 6,000 jobs. With two new berths now operational, the port's annual handling capacity has reached 4.5 million tons, cementing its role as a key hub for exporting bulk commodities like iron ore and cocoa in Central Africa.

Ports are reshaping regional economies. Products from the Chinese-invested Keda Cameroon Ceramics factory, located about 60 km from the port, can be shipped to neighboring countries within 48 hours of production, filling a gap in Cameroon's ceramics manufacturing.

The model of port-industry-urban integration is gaining momentum not only in Cameroon, but also in other parts of Africa. In Nigeria's Lekki Peninsula, Lekki Port, Nigeria's first modern deepwater port built by the CHEC, and the co-developed Lekki Free Trade Zone are forming a synergistic ecosystem.

Chen Ze, general manager of CHEC's Central Africa Division, said that the coordinated development of infrastructure and industrial parks is "key to transforming 'transient flows' into 'lasting settlements'." The free trade zone, with an annual design capacity of 1.2 million 20-foot equivalent units and an investment of 2.3 billion U.S. dollars, enables local appliance and automotive manufacturing to realize "made in Africa, sold globally."

At the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China reaffirmed its strong support for the African Union (AU)'s efforts to accelerate regional integration and economic development.

Since the inception of the FOCAC 25 years ago, Chinese enterprises have overseen the construction and upgrading of over 10,000 km of railways, nearly 100,000 km of roads, nearly 1,000 bridges, and about 100 ports in Africa. These projects have significantly accelerated infrastructure modernization in African countries and promoted coordinated economic connectivity and development.

EMPOWERING TALENT

In the central Angolan city of Huambo, 20-year-old Tomas Dinis learnt from his instructor about mechanical components at the China-donated Integrated Center for Technological Training (CINFOTEC). Dinis is among 76 students in the mechatronics program at the Angola-China Institute of Technology. After a year and a half of courses and Chinese language study, he hopes to qualify for advanced training and internships in China.

"I loved mechanics since childhood. I often see Chinese electronic products on social media, which impresses me deeply. When I learned about the chance to study in China, I immediately signed up," Dinis told Xinhua.

The Angola-China Institute of Technology, part of China's "vocational education going global" initiative, was jointly established by Wenzhou Vocational and Technical College, four other Chinese vocational colleges, and multiple enterprises. Inaugurated at CINFOTEC in January 2025, it has trained over 2,000 students to date.

"Our institute is developing a teaching system aligned with Chinese vocational education standards, aiming to cultivate skilled technicians that meet local needs," said Song Wuyu, a teacher from Wenzhou Vocational and Technical College.

Geraldo Pambasange, principal of CINFOTEC, said that vocational training is the cornerstone of national development, and China has steadfastly supported Angola's development. "After the civil war, we needed infrastructure reconstruction, and China came to help us. Now, as Angola is striving for industrialization, we are once again benefiting from China's cooperation," he added.

Africa is the world's youngest continent. In recent years, China has strengthened capacity-building in Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC. The Luban Workshops further advance this effort, transforming demographic advantages into development dividends and driving sustainable industrialization across the continent.

Established in February 2022 in partnership with the University of Antananarivo, the first group of students has graduated from the Luban Workshop in Madagascar. Andrianina, a graduate of the industrial electricity program, said, "I have applied to continue my studies at Tianjin University. Industry currently accounts for only 16 percent of Madagascar's gross domestic product. I want to acquire professional skills and all I can to contribute to my country's industrial development."

With the Luban Workshop, production methods once reliant on manual tools and handcrafted parts are gradually mechanizing.

"Even a small oil refinery needs specific machines, and all these parts can be made with machines," said Faniry Emile Rakotondrainibe, head of the mechanical engineering program at the Luban Workshop.

"This technology is the cornerstone of Madagascar's industrialization," he added.

Madagascar's Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Loulla Chaminah said that the Luban Workshop enhances the country's human capital and promotes local industrial development by providing high-quality training, introducing advanced tech equipment, and cultivating young engineers and technicians.

GO GREEN, GROW BETTER

At midday, the sun blazes over the land. About 25 km southeast of Kabwe in Zambia's Central Province, rows of photovoltaic panels glisten in the sunlight. The Kabwe 100 megawatts (MW) Solar PV Project, Power Construction Corporation of China (POWERCHINA)'s largest solar project in the country, is advancing steadily.

Project business manager Li Dongxiang said the project is expected to generate 180 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, powering 50,000 to 100,000 households. "By using advanced photovoltaic panels and an intelligent monitoring system, it boosts energy efficiency and significantly cuts operational costs," he added.

"Within a month and a half, residents living in darkness will have access to electricity, and their lives will change for the better," Zambian Energy Minister Makozo Chikote said during a site visit in March. Chikote said that these power stations will not only alleviate power outages and drive economic growth but also light the way for Zambia's energy independence.

Green development is Africa's enduring engine of industrialization. "Green industrialization is not an option. It is a necessity for Africa's modernization," said Albert Mudenda Muchanga, AU commissioner for economic development, trade, tourism, industry, and minerals.

As Africa advances toward green industrialization, China is committed to supporting these efforts. The successful construction and operation of major energy projects, including Kenya's Orpower 22 Geothermal Power Plant, Zambia's Kafue Gorge Lower Hydropower Station, South Africa's Redstone Concentrated Solar Thermal Power Project, and Uganda's Karuma Hydropower Station, demonstrate how China-Africa cooperation can help ease energy bottlenecks, improve living standards, and accelerate the continent's industrial transformation.

This wave of green industrialization is also driving new digital demands. Recently, Africa's largest optical fiber cable manufacturing plant began operations in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, significantly boosting Africa's optical fiber manufacturing capabilities.

Pieter Viljoen, chief executive officer of Yangtze Optics Africa Cable, said the company developed slimmer, more compact cables tailored to rural and impoverished areas' broadband needs in South Africa. "This reduces costs, improves durability, and ensures underserved communities access reliable broadband," he added.

Kenya's Principal Secretary of Foreign Affairs in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Korir Sing'Oei said the China-Africa partnership is both desirable and beneficial, addressing mutual aspirations amid shifting geopolitics.

"As Kenya advances modernization, we look forward to learning from China's best practices. I believe other African countries will too," Sing'Oei added. ■