China’s decades-long campaign to eliminate extreme poverty has drawn international acclaim, with Columbia University economist Jeffrey Sachs calling it a "great historical accomplishment" during an exclusive interview with CMG. The renowned development scholar highlighted how China lifted 800 million people out of poverty between 1980 and 2020 – a feat he says offers actionable lessons for developing nations.
A Development Roadmap for Africa
Sachs, author of "The End of Poverty," emphasized China’s systematic approach combining infrastructure investment, education reforms, and targeted regional programs. "This isn’t just about economics – it’s about governance that prioritizes long-term human development," he noted, pointing to China’s success in improving life expectancy and literacy rates.
Lessons in Scale and Sustainability
The economist particularly stressed China’s model as relevant for Africa, where many nations face similar challenges to those China overcame. "From rural electrification to high-speed rail networks, China shows how connectivity drives economic inclusion," Sachs said, while cautioning that solutions must adapt to local contexts.
Global Implications
As the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals face setbacks worldwide, Sachs argued China’s experience proves poverty eradication is achievable through coordinated policy and international cooperation. The interview concluded with his call for knowledge-sharing between Chinese and African institutions to build climate-resilient economies.
