Fifty African experts—including university professors, directors of research institutes, and presidents of think tanks—participated in the seminar on Chinese-style modernization and Africa’s development, held from July 17 to 24, 2025, in Shaanxi Province, China. Upon returning to their respective countries, several participants agreed to contribute to our column “Three Questions for Participants of the Xi’an Seminar.” Today, we are joined by the representative of Côte d’Ivoire, Dr. Dappah Abou.
Hello Dr. Dappah Abou, you were Côte d’Ivoire’s representative 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 key objectives and ten strategic partnership actions between China and Africa.
I am Dr. Dappah Abou, an Ivorian academic and researcher engaged in the study of international relations and Africa’s role in global cooperation dynamics. My particular interests lie in foreign policy and African diplomacy. I serve as the coordinator of the Institute for Policy and International Relations of Côte d’Ivoire (IPRICI), a newly established think tank.
Following this major event dedicated to the implementation of the six key objectives and ten strategic actions of the China–Africa partnership, I was struck by the richness of the exchanges and the relevance of the theme: “Chinese-style modernization and Africa’s development.” The Xi’an seminar provided valuable insight into how China’s experience can inspire Africa—not through imitation, but through appropriation; not through imposition, but through exchange. I was especially impressed by the clear commitment to building a win-win cooperation rooted in the complementarity of China’s and Africa’s strengths.
What proposals do you have for a more people-centered Sino-African cooperation, from Côte d’Ivoire’s perspective?
For Sino-African cooperation to have a real and lasting impact, it must be more deeply rooted in the daily lives of the people. While China has already made significant contributions, much remains unknown to the general public due to the top-down nature of current relations. We propose several measures:
- Strengthen decentralized cooperation: Local governments should be more involved so that projects directly benefit grassroots communities. This could include twinning strategies between Chinese provinces and African regions or districts. - Encourage technology and knowledge transfer: This would empower Ivorian and African youth and SMEs to adopt modern tools and generate local added value. - Focus on inclusive and sustainable development: Projects should address environmental challenges and meet the real needs of the population. - Increase presence in key social sectors: While China is active in strategic areas of our states, it could play a greater role in health, education, agriculture, and especially basic vocational training for youth, to become more embedded in African societies. - Influence from the bottom up: Engage directly with social groups such as youth to share China’s experience in youth-led agricultural production supported by new technologies.
In short, we need a cooperation model that connects with citizens, responds to their needs, and opens future prospects for African youth.
What are your thoughts on the Xi’an Think Tank initiative for follow-up on the seminar?
The Xi’an Think Tank initiative to ensure follow-up on the seminar is, in my view, visionary and essential. Too often, international meetings produce admirable resolutions that remain unfulfilled. Establishing this group should guarantee that the ideas shared in Xi’an do not remain theoretical but are translated into concrete actions.
I see it as an opportunity to maintain a permanent dialogue framework, promote research, build on successful experiences, and address shortcomings. Personally, I encourage all participants to remain actively engaged in this think tank so that experiences are genuinely shared and Sino-African cooperation is truly co-constructed and inclusive.