China's technology offers opportunities for Africa

China's leadership across multiple technology sectors presents opportunities for African nations to accelerate their development, according to Jacques Edjangue, vice-president for people and talent management at the African Development Bank Group, during his recent visit to Shanghai.

Speaking during the formalization of a strategic partnership between his institution and Shanghai Ocean University, Edjangue emphasized the potential of China-Africa cooperation.

"What we have seen in China is that there are many areas where China is actually taking the lead — artificial intelligence, robotics, and green energy," he said. "These are some of the areas where we believe that all the African nations and countries across the world can really tap into."

He highlighted Africa's vast untapped potential across key sectors. "Regarding Africa, there is enormous potential in agriculture, energy, and climate initiatives," he said. "In terms of sustainable development, there is much we can learn from China's development experience and apply in Africa."

Edjangue also praised China's long-term strategic planning capacity, particularly its emphasis on continuity, experimentation, and gradual scaling of successful pilot initiatives across infrastructure, poverty reduction, education, and industrial development.

China's ability to combine infrastructure development, local industry promotion, targeted support measures, and human capital investment into one coordinated strategy inspires many developing countries, he said.

The African Development Bank Group's signing of the memorandum of understanding with Shanghai Ocean University marks a milestone in educational cooperation, Edjangue said.

"Shanghai Ocean University has been working together with the African Development Bank Group in the past," Edjangue said. "We want to formalize the partnership that we've already embarked upon through joint training and capacity building programs."

According to a release from Shanghai Ocean University, the partnership encompasses degree programs, short-term training, staff exchanges, joint research, academic collaboration, and potentially the future establishment of fisheries innovation hubs in African countries, with a particular focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies with traditional maritime industries.

Making an impression

During his visit to the university, Edjangue was impressed by advanced vessel monitoring systems. "I observed their work in fisheries, marine, and maritime resources," he said. "And the one thing that I really felt like we need in Africa is how Shanghai Ocean University is using AI in this space."

"There's a control room where vessels can be monitored in real time using AI and satellite technology," he said. "This represents exactly the kind of technology we have to explore moving forward."

The partnership's significance extends across the continent. Edjangue said that the collaboration connects China with more than 50 African countries in terms of capacity building.

Previous programs have generated positive feedback. "What we hear is that the training was excellent — the quality of lecturers, program content, and the practical components," he said. "It's important not only to understand knowledge in abstract terms, but critically important to see how that knowledge is applied concretely."

For Edjangue, making his third visit to Shanghai, China's continued advancement offers ongoing inspiration and learning opportunities.

"Each time I visit, I'm impressed by the progress and transformation I witness," he observed. "I'm impressed by how China continues advancing despite the high levels of development and industrialization it has already achieved."

zhengzheng@chinadaily.com.cn