Smart Zambia National Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, says Zambia recognises China as a partner in the digitalisation agenda.
Mr Chinyama said during his keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum in Xiamen, China today.
He stated that Zambia recognises China as a strategic partner in not only the national agenda but the digitalisation agenda as well.
“In the last 60 years, the country has attained great developmental milestones through its strong bilateral relationship with China and currently Zambia is working towards an aspiration to steer the country towards a digital economy,” he said.
ZANIS reports that Mr Chinyama explained that the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum marks the continued cooperation between Africa and China, aimed at fostering digital economic cooperation and development.
“This forum underscores the importance of collaboration and partnership between China and Africa in shaping the future of the digital landscape globally. In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, the internet has emerged as a transformative force, driving innovation, connectivity and economic growth on a global scale,” he said.
Mr Chinyama further stated that the theme ‘Building a digital innovation partnership and creating a better future for digital cooperation,’ reflects the commitment to fostering greater collaboration and cooperation between China and Africa in internet development.
“Through joint efforts in infrastructure investment, capacity building and policy coordination, China and Africa can create an enabling environment for digital innovation and entrepreneurship to thrive,” he said.
Speaking earlier via virtual address, Vice Minister of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Chen Xiaodong, stated that China has launched several projects in African countries that deliver real benefits to the lives of ordinary citizens using a people centred approach.
Mr Chen further stated that the China-Africa cooperation endeavours to bring development dividends to the people on both sides.
And, Minister of Digital Affairs and Digitalisation from Benin, Aurélie Adam Soulé Zoumarou, said she was content that China and Africa have taken this opportunity to dialogue and build a future in internet, e-governance and artificial intelligence together.
Over 400 guests from China and African countries have gathered in Xiamen in Fujian Province of China for the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum taking place between the 2nd and 3rd of April 2024, to deliberate on a shared future in cyberspace.
The delegates invited include ministerial-level officials, high-level representatives of the African Union Commission, African diplomatic envoys in China, officials responsible for digital affairs, representatives of enterprises, media and think tanks.
The Forum is aimed at providing a platform for China and African countries to expand and deepen exchanges and cooperation in such areas as digital economy, cybersecurity, internet media and artificial intelligence governance.
ZANIS/ENDS/AK/EC…………… Still pix
1.Smart Zambia national Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, sharing a light moment with counterparts from Namibia and South Africa after a banquet on the eve of the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum in Xiamen, China.
2. Smart Zambia national Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, listening to speeches duand Cooperation Forum in Xiamen, China.
3. Smart Zambia national Coordinator, Percy Chinyama, delivering his keynote address during the opening ceremony of the 2024 China-Africa Internet Development and Cooperation Forum in Xiamen, China.
