China committed to supporting devt projects in Africa - official

China is committed to supporting development projects in Africa, including Rwanda, under the Sino-Africa co-operation, officials have said. According to Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, Beijing will spend $60 billion to finance projects across Africa, over the coming years.

Friday, March 10, 2017
The Chinese government supports projects in agriculture and infrastructure, among others, in Rwanda. / File

China is committed to supporting development projects in Africa, including Rwanda, under the Sino-Africa co-operation, officials have said.

According to Chinese Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi, Beijing will spend $60 billion to finance projects across Africa, over the coming years.

Addressing local and international reporters in Beijing, Wang said China wants to fast-track implementation of projects it funds, especially in industrialisation, trade and culture.

Projects funded by China on the continent and Rwanda are the areas of infrastructure construction, energy and industry, transport and communication, agriculture, medical care, public health, technology, finance, aviation and tourism, according to officials.

In Rwanda, China has pumped $60 million into the agriculture sector and rural development programmes, while an additional $20 million was channeled toward solar projects to connect electricity to schools and health centres.

The country financed water supply and irrigation projects, including construction of a dam on Gaseke River, as well as water supply network for Kigali city.

Additionally, China will fund the 68-km Kigali Ring Road estimated, as well as Nyabugogo 11 hydro-electric project, and the Mutobo project.

In the health sector, the upgrading and expansion of Kibungo District hospital to increase its capacity from 242 beds to over 1,200 beds. Also, ongoing rehabilitation and expansion of Masaka District hospital funded by the Chinese. Once works are completed, the hospital bed capacity will be at 1,356 from 140 beds.

Sino–Africa relations seek to deepen economic win–win co-operation and cultural exchange.