Fifty African experts (University Professors, Directors of research institutes, Presidents of think tanks, etc.) participated in the seminar on “Chinese-style Modernization and Africa’s Development”, held from July 17 to 24, 2024, in Shaanxi Province, China. Upon returning to their respective countries, some agreed to contribute to our column “Three Questions for Participants of the Xi’an Seminar.” Today, we are joined by the Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mr. François Layinga Katete.
Hello Mr. François Layinga Katete, you are the Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo at the Xi’an seminar on “Chinese-style Modernization and Africa’s Development.” Please introduce yourself and share your impressions following this major event focused on implementing the six Modernization Objectives and the ten Strategic Partnership Actions between China and Africa.
I am François Layinga Katete, Researcher at the Center for Strategic and International Security Studies (CESSI), PhD candidate and Lecturer at the National Pedagogical University (UPN) in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Regarding the Xi’an seminar, I am delighted, as I gained many valuable insights. These sessions helped us understand the crucial role of agriculture—and especially technological innovation—in agricultural development, which in turn drives national progress. Chinese-style modernization is the result of combined efforts: government leadership under the banner of the Communist Party of China, a population aware of the stakes and actively engaged in building a modern and prosperous China, and significant technological advancements.
The government’s policy encourages and guides the population in creating cooperatives. I consider this a development-oriented government, as public policies must aim at improving the living conditions of all citizens. At the same time, the people are directly involved in public governance through qualified, non-co-opted representatives.
This is the governance model that African governments should draw inspiration from. It is possible for us to reach this level, provided we move beyond political and tribal logics and embrace a nation-building approach—one rooted in human cooperation, trust, respect, and collective intelligence.
The Xi’an seminar awakened our awareness of the intellectual capacity to unite and accelerate the development of Africa and our respective countries. It was a moment of great significance that will remain unforgettable.
What proposals do you have for a Sino-African cooperation that is closer to the people, from the perspective of Congo?
It is clear today that no country in the world can live in autarky and develop without opening up to others. China is precisely the kind of partner the DRC needs for its development, as its model inspires us. In the case of the DRC, we welcome the installation of infrastructure by Chinese companies to supply rural areas with water and electricity. However, China can do more in the country’s hinterlands by helping to establish economic hubs and facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology. This would promote economic and financial autonomy, especially among youth. Chinese companies would thus become engines of development wherever they operate in the DRC. China could also encourage its researchers, doctors, and fishermen to share their experiences with their Congolese counterparts within the framework of South-South cooperation.
What are your thoughts on the Xi’an Think Tank’s initiative to follow up on the Xi’an seminar?
The Xi’an Think Tank initiative is a valuable tool that strengthens our unity and enables the monitoring of the six key modernization objectives and the ten strategic partnership actions between China and Africa. Africa is a continent with a predominantly young population that needs strong support for its development. Most participants in the Xi’an seminar were young professionals, which is why this group must be supported and promoted by all. It is a flame we must keep alive.
In summary, Chinese-style modernization remains a model to follow for the development of Africa in general, and the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular. Thank you.
Interview by Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Envoy to Xi'an