China has pledged to strengthen its mutually beneficial development partnership with Africa, with a specific focus on the industrial sector.

The commitment came during a forum titled: "China supports Africa's industrialization, green and sustainable development,"organized by the African Union (AU) Mission to China and the Center for Dialogue, Research, and Cooperation, in partnership with Pulse of Africa Media (POA). The event saw participation from Chinese officials, AU Commission sector commissioners, and guests.

Ambassador Jiang Feng, Head of the AU Mission to China and Representative to the UN Economic Commission for Africa, stated that China would intensify its support, viewing African industrialization as a driver of green, integrated, and sustainable development. He stressed that industrial expansion is crucial for Africa's sustained growth and commended African nations, including Ethiopia, for prioritizing the sector in their development agendas to realize Agenda 2063.

The Ambassador highlighted China's significant role in industrial growth through infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity. He pointed to the involvement of Chinese investors in industrial expansion and infrastructure projects across the continent as evidence of this robust partnership.

Lelato Doroti, AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, noted that Africa is actively leveraging its natural resources for development. She emphasized that growth hinges on expanding industrialization and effective utilization of human capital. Commissioner Doroti praised China's efforts in promoting digitalization, industrialization, and human resource trainingin Africa, affirming that the AU will collaborate with China to advance the digital economy and industrial development toward achieving Agenda 2063.

Dr. Smenew Keskis, Advisor to Ethiopia's Minister of Innovation and Technology, reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to industrial development as a core national agenda. He cited the substantial capital investment by Chinese entrepreneurs in Ethiopia's industrial sector as a clear sign of mutual desire for joint development. Dr. Keskis concluded that industry is vital for ensuring sustainable development, and Ethiopia will continue to work with global partners to secure comprehensive growth, ENA learned.