Fifty African experts (University Professors, Research Institute Directors, Think Tank Presidents, etc.) took part in the seminar on Chinese-style modernization and African development, held from July 17 to 24, 2024, in China’s Shaanxi Province. Upon returning home, some of them agreed to answer our “Three Questions to the Xi’an Seminar Participants.” We begin with the representative from Madagascar, Dr. Denis Randriamampionona.
Hello Dr. Denis Randriamampionona, you were Madagascar’s representative at the Xi’an seminar on “Chinese-style Modernization and African Development.” Please introduce yourself and share your impressions following this major event focused on implementing the six main objectives and ten strategic partnership actions between China and Africa.
Denis RANDRIAMAMPIONONA, Research Lecturer at the Higher School of Agronomic Sciences, University of Antananarivo. I teach Agriculture and Sustainable Development, and I was deeply impressed by China’s progress and modernization. I have great respect for the leaders and people across generations who have built such a powerful nation. Agriculture is particularly advanced, enabling the country to feed its 1.4 billion people and achieve food autonomy, alongside industrialization, infrastructure development, and new technologies. I was especially moved by the environmental respect in the places I visited. The culture and importance of family are also great assets, along with other aspects of daily life that contribute to the strength of the world’s second-largest economy.
What proposals do you have for a Sino-African cooperation that is closer to the people, from Madagascar’s perspective?
Ten Priority Areas for Madagascar
1. Administration and Governance for People’s Needs and Peace Political and administrative reform to establish governance systems that meet people’s needs. Expanded cooperation: not only public-public but also win-win partnerships between private enterprises from both countries. Direct cooperation between China and decentralized communities and institutions (regions, municipalities, universities, academies, research centers). Sustainable peace.
2. Modern Agriculture and Food Security Increased productivity and food availability through mechanization, fertilizer use, proper soil management, and agricultural innovation. Support for small producers and local supply chains.
3. Education and Human Capital Skills revolution: technical and technological training. Empowering youth through employment. Expanded education for the entire population.
4. Infrastructure Development of world-class infrastructure: roads, ports, energy. Housing development. Access to clean drinking water.
5. Information Technology Digitized and automated administrative systems (national identity, population management, all administrative procedures digitized with local actors). Digitized national budgeting aligned with people’s needs. Digital inclusion across all sectors.
6. Economic and Financial Autonomy Creation of African financial institutions: banks, investment funds. Strengthening China-Africa and intra-African cooperation. Economic diversification to reduce dependence on raw exports.
7. Environmental Sustainability Responsible management of natural resources. Climate resilience and disaster prevention. Promotion of blue and green economies.
8. Territorial Planning Transfer of Chinese expertise in territorial planning to Africa. China serves as a model in land management and planning.
9. Energy and Industry Energy management and infrastructure development. Initial reliance on fossil fuels for growth (coal-fired power plants), followed by renewable energy: solar, wind, hydroelectric, and hydrogen. Industrial capacity building through agro-industrial transformation. Basic industries producing tools and equipment to support agriculture, transport, energy, housing, and clothing.
10. Culture and Sports Cultural exchange between the two countries. Strengthening sports infrastructure. Youth training in sports.
What do you think of the Xi’an Think Tank’s initiative to follow up on the Xi’an seminar?
It’s a good initiative to continue the reflections. However, it must align with the broader visions of China-Africa cooperation and work in synergy with existing structures (such as FOCAC).
Interview by Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Special envoy to Xi'an