In a landmark move to bridge the digital divide and foster modernization, China and African countries have jointly issued the China-Africa Action Plan for Digital Cooperation and Development. Announced during the China-Africa Digital Cooperation Forum on Monday, the plan aims to promote collaboration in the digital sector across multiple fronts.
The participating nations recognize the pivotal role of digital development in advancing modernization and believe that a digitally empowered Africa can serve as a significant driver for global progress. Emphasizing inclusive growth and sustainable development, the action plan aligns with the objectives of the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035.
“Seizing the opportunities of the digital era and strengthening cooperation will not only advance modernization through digitization but also align with the development paths and common interests of both China and African countries,” stated a spokesperson at the forum. “Together, we are building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.”
The action plan outlines six key areas of cooperation:
1. Digital Policy Cooperation
To implement the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union Agenda 2063, the parties will enhance policy exchanges and cooperation. This includes aligning digital strategies, sharing development experiences, and optimizing policy environments to foster business growth. Activities may involve negotiating cooperation documents, conducting dialogues, establishing mechanisms, and facilitating mutual visits.
2. Digital Infrastructure Cooperation
Recognizing digital infrastructure as essential for connectivity and improving digital inclusiveness, the parties will promote collaboration on building accessible and affordable infrastructure. This involves encouraging enterprises to engage in pragmatic cooperation in next-generation mobile communications, backbone networks, satellite communications, data centers, and cloud computing.
3. Digital Innovation Cooperation
To enhance digital development and stimulate the digital economy, the parties will jointly advance the development and adoption of emerging technologies. Potential areas of cooperation include artificial intelligence, 5G/6G, high-performance computing, and quantum communications. Efforts will also focus on promoting joint Centers for AI Cooperation and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), innovation projects, startups, and empowering youth and women.
4. Digital Transformation Cooperation
Aiming to stimulate vitality across various sectors, the parties will work together to promote the widespread adoption of digital technologies. This includes accelerating digital transformation in agriculture, manufacturing, mining, energy, public services, urban management, finance, healthcare, education, tourism, retail, and other sectors. Over the next three years, they will implement ten digital transformation demonstration projects to empower high-quality China-Africa cooperation through digitization.
5. Digital Security Cooperation
Balancing development and security, the parties will collaborate on cybersecurity, data security, and personal information protection. They will encourage enterprises to develop technologies and solutions in digital security and support skill training and drill exercises. The possibility of establishing a joint laboratory on digital security will also be explored.
6. Digital Capability Cooperation
Strengthening digital capacity is vital for implementing strategic plans for digital development. The parties are committed to enhancing the exchange of ideas and best practices, promoting personnel training and exchange programs, and encouraging collaboration among research institutions, think tanks, and universities. Over the next three years, they aim to train at least 1,000 digital talents to improve digital capabilities and literacy.
To ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of these cooperative efforts, the parties will build collaborative partnerships involving governments, businesses, academia, and financial institutions. This multi-level engagement is expected to facilitate China-Africa digital cooperation and development.
The action plan remains open to future participants, inviting more countries and organizations to join and enrich the dimensions of cooperation, sharing in the development opportunities that the digital era presents.
Reference(s):
China and African countries issue action plan in the digital sector
cgtn.com
