China, Africa advance modernization in new era

Agricultural, digital transformation mutually beneficial

China-Africa agricultural cooperation has made significant progress under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative. Through technical assistance, industrial chain development, and market expansion, China has helped African nations increase agricultural productivity and modernize the continent's agriculture.

Over the past decade, China has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers in Africa, promoting over 300 advanced agricultural techniques that have increased crop yields by 30 percent to 60 percent, benefiting over 1 million smallholder farmers. For example, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, China collaborated with local universities and businesses to establish the "Zhejiang University-Lubumbashi University-Huayou Farm" modern agricultural park. This park integrates China's agricultural expertise and technology, offering valuable training opportunities to local farmers and serving as a research hub for sustainable agricultural development. Through the improvement of crop varieties like rice, cassava, and soybeans, and the introduction of new vegetables and legumes, China has enriched the diets of African people and promoted agricultural diversification in the region.

In terms of digital transformation, China has actively assisted African countries in bridging the "digital divide" and advancing China-Africa digital economic cooperation. For instance, in digital infrastructure development, Chinese companies have added and upgraded 150,000 kilometers of communication backbone networks across Africa, providing coverage for approximately 700 million users. On Mount Kilimanjaro, all resting camps at altitudes below 3,795 meters have high-speed internet with wireless network coverage.

Looking ahead, China-Africa agricultural cooperation and digital transformation will focus on several key areas: In agricultural cooperation, both sides will further align agricultural strategies, sign more cooperation agreements, promote technological collaboration, build technology centers and laboratories, and increase agricultural value chains. Additionally, poverty reduction cooperation projects will be launched, in which sending agricultural experts will help in strengthening talent cultivation and exchange. In terms of digital transformation, the two sides will also strengthen the alignment of digital infrastructure construction and policies, explore cooperation in cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G/6G, and further promote sustainable economic and social development of the two sides.

Wei Longbao is distinguished professor of Qiushi, director of the Institute of Food and Agribusiness Management, Zhejiang University

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