China Pledges $51 Billion and One Million Jobs to Strengthen Africa Ties

At the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping unveiled a major commitment from China, including $51 billion in new funding for African nations. This financial package encompasses loans and various types of aid and will support numerous infrastructure projects aimed at improving connectivity across the continent. Xi also announced a pledge to generate at least one million jobs in Africa, positioning China as a key development ally for the region.

Xi emphasized the positive outcomes of past collaborations between China and Africa, expressing optimism that ongoing partnerships could lead to even greater achievements and drive the modernization of the African continent.

China's efforts to deepen its influence in Africa come as it remains the continent's top trade partner, with nearly a quarter of African exports—primarily minerals, fuels, and metals—going to China. Additionally, China has been the largest lender to Africa in loans from 2000 todate. 

Ahead of the three-day summit, African leaders disclosed multiple new agreements focusing on infrastructure, agriculture, mining, and energy sectors.  President William Ruto announced projects to expand the railway linking Nairobi and Mombasa  and other east africa nations and also build a new highway in western Kenya.