In a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of global diplomacy and development, President William Ruto is poised to embark on a landmark journey, with Beijing as the destination and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as the focal point. The occasion? The third summit commemorating a decade of the BRI—a remarkable international project that has left an indelible mark on nations across the world.
President Ruto’s itinerary includes a potential rendezvous with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, in an informal setting on the sidelines of the forum. The exact dates of this pivotal meeting are yet to be disclosed, but sources familiar with the matter suggest a mid-week arrival in Beijing, just before Kenya’s grand 60th Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The last BRI forum, which unfolded in 2019, was a testament to the collaborative spirit that underpins this initiative. It drew leaders from more than 40 countries, as well as international organizations and financiers, creating a unique platform for dialogue and shared progress.
Since its inception in 2013, the Belt and Road Initiative has catalyzed transformative development, with China providing vital support to Kenya’s infrastructure projects. These projects encompass a vast array of initiatives, from modernized road networks and efficient railways to bustling ports, robust dams, burgeoning industries, and enhanced digital connectivity.
One shining example of this collaboration is the 670-kilometer-long Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), linking the bustling Mombasa Port to the strategically located Naivasha dry port. Reflecting on the SGR’s legacy, Chao Ten, the head of China Road and Bridges Construction—the company behind this monumental achievement—recently noted the wealth of knowledge gained from the BRI, particularly from the railway project. He emphasized the long-lasting impact of this collaboration, with local staff having been trained as operators, thus fostering a lasting legacy of expertise.
Amid these celebrations of progress, there exists a backdrop of challenge—a global pandemic that has cast a shadow on the African continent. The COVID-19 pandemic plunged African economies into their most severe recession in half a century. Though some recovery is evident, its pace remains notably restrained, and governments grapple with mounting debt burdens. In response, many African countries have been forced to trim their domestic health budgets, increasingly relying on external health assistance funds to combat the multifaceted impact of the pandemic.
The 2022 annual report from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation delivers a sobering message, stating that “nearly every indicator of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) is off track at the halfway point for achieving them by 2030.” Additionally, a report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) in May of this year underscores the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global health, contributing to the ongoing decline in progress towards the SDGs.
In the face of these challenges, the upcoming summit represents an opportunity for transformative cooperation. A key focus should be strengthening public health systems in Africa through deeper collaboration with China. This could be achieved by participating in the construction of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and offering robust support to the African Union (AU) and individual African nations in establishing mechanisms for major epidemic prevention, control, and public health emergency management.
The urgent need for health informationization in developing countries has been starkly highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rapid development of communication networks in Africa over recent years has paved the way for meaningful cooperation in this area. China, with its wealth of expertise and resources, can play a pivotal role in delivering the necessary products, technologies, and services to address the genuine health needs of the African people.
China’s commitment to Africa’s well-being is a testament to its enduring partnership. Since 1963, China has consistently dispatched medical teams to Africa. To date, nearly 1,000 medical personnel from 46 medical teams have provided care to over 230 million local patients at 100 sites in 45 African countries. Since 2015, China has solidified its dedication by establishing twinning relationships with 46 hospitals in 41 African countries, with the aim of training local medical specialists and enhancing specialized medical services. Moreover, China has dispatched short-term medical expert groups to over 40 African countries, offering free clinic services that make a tangible impact on local communities.
As we look ahead to the summit, we must recognize the profound influence of the Belt and Road Initiative, not only in terms of infrastructure but in fostering a spirit of global cooperation. Africa stands at a critical juncture, and the upcoming summit could signal a turning point in addressing health crises and paving the way for a healthier, more resilient continent.
In the spirit of collaboration, it is our collective responsibility to seize this moment and work together to secure a future where Africa’s potential is fully realized, and its challenges are surmounted. The Belt and Road Initiative, in all its grandeur, offers hope in challenging times—a pathway to a brighter future where partnerships and progress go hand in hand.
Elijah Mwangi is a scholar based in Nairobi; he writes on infrastructure development.
