Fifty African experts—including university professors, research institute directors, and think tank presidents—participated in the seminar on “Chinese-style Modernization and African Development,” held from July 17 to 24, 2024, in China’s Shaanxi Province. Upon returning to their respective countries, some of them agreed to respond to our “Three Questions for the Xi’an Seminar Participants.” Today, we welcome the perspective of Senegal’s representative, Dr. Mamadou Diop.
Hello Dr. Mamadou Diop, you were Senegal’s delegate at the Xi’an seminar on “Chinese-style Modernization and African Development.” Could you introduce yourself and share your impressions following this major event focused on implementing the six key objectives and ten strategic partnership actions between China and Africa?
I am a civil servant of the Republic of Senegal, a graduate of the National School of Administration in Dakar, and hold a PhD in Management Sciences. The seminar held in Shaanxi Province (in Yangling and Xi’an) was, in my view, a grand event, especially considering the composition of the participants—mostly researchers from nearly every African country. This was a rare opportunity that should prompt reflective exchanges among us, first regarding the nearly identical situations across our nations, and more importantly, the development prospects inspired by lessons learned from the modernization trajectory of the People’s Republic of China. The goal is to provide our political leaders with practical guidance to better prioritize national needs, drawing on a methodology inspired by the Chinese model.
What proposals do you have for a Sino-African cooperation that is closer to the people, from the perspective of Madagascar? In my opinion, for greater effectiveness, Sino-African cooperation must be guided by increased pragmatism from African leaders. It is not enough to praise the substantial volumes of trade and investment. What truly matters is upgrading our economies. This involves policies aimed at strengthening our countries’ capacities in labor-intensive industries, with a focus on joint ventures and skills transfer.
What are your thoughts on the Xi’an Think Tank initiative for follow-up on the Xi’an seminar? The initiative is very commendable, and I can proudly claim to be one of its sponsors. Isn’t that right, my dear President? Smiles Thank you for bringing the idea to life…
Interview by Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Special envoy to Xi'an