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 Namibia, Mr Cons Karamata.
Hello Mr Cons Karamata, you were Namibia’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 Cons Karamata, the Chief Executive of the Economic Association of Namibia. The EAN is a think tank that focuses on policy advisory services and create platforms for public dialogue in Namibia. The seminar on 'Chinese-style modernization and African Development was a great eye-opener about the inspiring progress achieved by China in the areas of culture, agriculture, Industry, energy and societal development as a whole. It became clear that Africa has a lot to learn from China and that channels must be established to faciltate these learnings and collaborations.
What proposals do you have for a more people-centered Sino-African cooperation, from Namibia’s perspective? There is a need to outline channels of cooperation at various levels, including think tanks, business, academia and governments. It is important that such cooperation is mutually beneficial. Africa needs to solve our infrastructure deficits, create employment, and produce food for our people. China is well equipped to help African countries in these areas while Chinese companies can expand businesses on the African continent and benefit from a huge market within the African Continental Free Trade Area.
What are your thoughts on the Xi’an Think Tank initiative for follow-up on the seminar? Establishing the Xi'an Reflection Group will be a step in the right direction - the group could lay the ground work for the chanells of cooperation to enhance Sino-African relations.
Interview by Héribert-Label Élisée ADJOVI / Special envoy to Xi'an