China seeks to expand influence in Africa with more digital projects

Assistant foreign minister tells forum that cooperation will be stepped up in areas like the digital economy, smart cities and 5G networks

It comes as strategic rival the United States is also trying to boost trade and investment with African nations

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South Africa’s first commercial 5G network uses equipment from Chinese firm Huawei. China plans to increase digital cooperation and investments in Africa. Photo: Bloomberg

Published: 7:00pm, 25 Aug 2021Updated: 10:45pm, 25 Aug 2021

China said it would step up digital cooperation and investments in Africa, as Beijing seeks to deepen its influence on the continent alongside its pledges for trade, infrastructure and Covid-19 vaccines.

At a time when the US is also seeking to reinvigorate its trade and investment with Africa, assistant foreign minister Deng Li told a virtual forum on Tuesday that China would boost its partnership with African nations in areas such as the digital economy, smart cities and 5G networks.

“China will share the achievements of digital technology with Africa to promote interconnectivity of digital infrastructure,” he said. “China’s initiatives will never just remain a vision on paper, and [we] will work with Africa to formulate and implement the China-Africa digital innovation partnership plan to achieve results as soon as possible.”

Deng, whose portfolio includes Africa and Europe, said the cooperation was part of the Digital Africa initiative proposed during Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s trip to the continent in January to shore up ties.