Plans earmarked by China to roll out ten major initiatives to boost cooperation with Africa are in line with the development goals and national aspirations of most African countries, an Independent Economist and Financial Analyst said on Thursday.
Aili Andreas, an Independent Economist and Financial Analyst said that China's plans would complement African nations, including Namibia's vision to become an industrialized country by 2030. "However, for these plans to benefit African countries, they should be tailor-made in accordance with the needs of African countries," said Andreas.
Andreas said China's plans should serve as a chance for African nations to maximize China-Africa cooperation. "African countries therefore need to draw up their national plans, targets and development goals and objectives clearly.
Clear national plans will help in ensuring that the assistance received is tailor-made to address problems at hand and is positively impacting the lives of country's citizens," she said.
Meanwhile, in pushing forward regional cooperation among African countries, Andreas stressed that the development initiative undertaken should seek to address the real issues and enhance capacity building in order for African nations to stand on their feet rather than becoming too dependent, as is the case at the moment.
She suggested a stock-taking as a first step to determine African countries' shortages and recommend what ought to be done to ensure that these countries are able and capable to resolve the challenges when they re-occur," she said.
Andreas added that in order for most African countries including Namibia to sustainably benefit from China- Africa Cooperation, it is crucial for any projects to be spearheaded by the people of that country.
"And China should act as a watchdog to ensure that the people have gained skills and they will be able to sustain their projects when the development cooperation comes to an end," she said.
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