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 Republic of Niger, Dr. Boubakar Maizoumbou.
Hello Dr. Boubakar Maizoumbou, you are the Representative of the Republic of Niger 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 ten strategic partnership actions between China and Africa. I am Dr. Boubakar Maizoumbou, Lecturer at Abdou Moumouni University in Niamey, Niger. The Xi’an seminar was a true success. Participants witnessed firsthand the tangible results of Chinese-style modernization. It inspires us and opens the door to exploring ways to strengthen Sino-African cooperation, with the aim of enabling Africa to fully benefit from China’s modernization experience. I believe such gatherings should be sustained to give new momentum to the already existing strategic partnership between China and Africa.
What proposals do you have for a Sino-African cooperation that is closer to the people, from the perspective of Niger? For Niger, the key and urgent areas where cooperation should focus are agriculture and infrastructure. This would help open up rural agricultural zones. Niger has great potential in arable land and water resources. Chinese smart agricultural technology would enable the country to achieve food self-sufficiency.
What are your thoughts on the Xi’an Think Tank’s initiative to follow up on the seminar? Establishing an organization that brings together the Xi’an seminar participants is an excellent idea. It will not only help maintain contact, but more importantly, ensure effective coordination of the fruitful exchanges that will follow.
Interview by Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Special envoy to Xi'an