China-Africa cooperation drives development of Africa's digital economy, says WTO deputy director-general – Xinhua

This photo taken on July 8, 2023 shows a view of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya. (Xinhua/Li Yahui)

In recent years, in the face of a weakening global economy, more and more African nations have recognized the digital economy as a crucial driver for their development, and China, with close ties to Africa, is naturally proving to be a crucial partner in boosting the continent's digital economy and making it a reality its modernization efforts, said World Trade Organization (WTO) Deputy Director-General Zhang Xiangchen.

NAIROBI, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) — In recent years, in the face of a weakening global economy, more and more African nations have embraced the digital economy as a crucial driver for their development, and China, which has close ties with Africa, has naturally joined Zhang Xiangchen, the Deputy Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), is a crucial partner in promoting the continent's digital economy and realizing its modernization aspirations.

In the process of economic globalization, there is an imbalance in the distribution of interests between the global North and the global South, Zhang said in a recent interview with Xinhua in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, pointing out that developing countries, especially African nations, have limited Benefits reaped.

Official pose for a photo during the first Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPV6) summit in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on September 14, 2023. (Photo by Charles Onyango/Xinhua)

The development of the digital economy is a crucial way to gain advantages in international competition in the future, Zhang said. And developing countries, including those in Africa, should benefit from “re-globalization,” characterized by its emphasis on digitalization, he added.

Africa has a huge market, a healthy market environment and the youngest population in the world, which Zhang said is “beneficial for Africa in developing the digital economy.” However, WTO research found that African countries account for a relatively small share of global digital trade.

“Africa's slower pace of digitalization is primarily due to the digital divide, including deficiencies in digital infrastructure, lack of digitalization knowledge and skills, and regulations,” Zhang said. “If these issues can be addressed in African countries, I believe Africa will catch up in this area.”

He said China's long-standing relationship with Africa is of great value in terms of sharing development experiences.

In recent years, more and more Chinese companies have steadily expanded their investments in Africa, guided by mechanisms such as the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative.

A Chinese employee and a Kenyan colleague from Kilimall work in an office in Mlolongo, Kenya, on November 10, 2023. (Photo by Li Yahui/Xinhua)

In countries such as Nigeria and Kenya, Chinese-backed companies have set up mobile payment platforms that offer secure and convenient digital payment services to millions of users. Additionally, Chinese e-commerce platforms enable many Africans to sell unique products worldwide without leaving their homes.

While the digital economy can be a competitive advantage for a country, “the digital economy cannot fully replace traditional industries such as manufacturing, especially for African countries that have not yet completed industrialization. The digital economy is one of the growth drivers,” he said.

“As African countries develop the digital economy, they should also strengthen their manufacturing sector to achieve industrialization as quickly as possible,” he added.

Zhang highlighted China's initiatives to support Africa's industrialization, agricultural modernization and talent development, saying these will further boost Africa's economic and social development.

He assumes that more and more Chinese companies are willing to invest in Africa and thus advance Africa's digital transformation.

Children enjoy a digital learning experience during the 24th Nairobi International Book Fair at the Sarit Center in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, on September 27, 2023. (Photo by Chrispinus Omar/Xinhua)

One of the biggest challenges for Africa in achieving digital transformation is education, Zhang said, emphasizing that “Africa needs a significant number of skilled young people engaged in digital work; therefore, Africa-China cooperation in talent development is crucial.”

“China is a reliable friend of Africa, and their cooperation will continuously provide impetus to the development of Africa's digital economy,” Zhang said. ■