Lessons on development for Africa

Continent could draw from its history; both the positives and negatives, just as China did

"Wade across the river by feeling the stones" was a common phrase used by the Chinese in meetings or social gatherings during my time in the country. I learnt it was a reminder of the journey they have taken toward realizing economic development.

The Chinese derive great satisfaction in learning from their past successes and challenges. This has been kept alive through a constant and deliberate reference to their cultural and historical heritage.

It made me reminisce and think about my beloved continent that is not only green and rich in mineral resources but also pregnant with history.

While the chronicles of Africa, its leadership and development suggest that we may be steering away from our heritage, we only have to look at China's steadfast practice of drawing from its deep culture to see that the people exude attributes of patience, humility, community, family, love, marriage, unity, wealth and poverty to forge forward as a nation.

The beginning of the African Union was not far from these virtues. From the onset, its founding fathers Kwame Nkrumah, Modibo Keita, Gamal Abdul Nasser, Sekou Toure, Julius Nyerere, Ben Bella, William Tubman, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Mzee Jomo Kenyatta had an ambitious vision for Africa.

The mandate and mission of the Organization of African Unity was to ensure Africa decides and designs its own destiny, by charting a way forward toward a bright future.

The first president of the OAU, Emperor Haile Selasse of Ethiopia, in his inaugural speech said that Africa was rising from its ashes and was reborn with free Africans. He emphasized that the bloodshed and sufferings endured by Africans should be the launch pad for Africa's freedom and unity.

The Chinese renaissance began in the 1978, the same year the OAU was formed. It also marked the beginning of a China-Africa relationship rooted in knowledge transfer, development, understanding and respect.

Since the reforms, China has transformed from a highly-planned economy to a vibrant market economy; from isolation to an open society; from an agricultural society to an industrialized one; and from a survival society to a developing society.

Yet, amid the success is the grounding factor that continues to inspire the people: history.

History in China is guarded religiously and upheld from generation to generation. China's past is the hope, the drive and the unifying ground of its citizens.

Arguably, philosophical underpinnings and great lessons from Chinese thinkers such as Confucius, Tao and Buddha have aided the people in maintaining discipline and focus on achieving their objectives.

All the great thinkers from whom the Chinese draw great lessons shaped the thinking of the reformists within the Communist Party of China: put the nation first before personal greed and gain.

It is evident that in its policies, mandates and daily transactions, the Chinese government's first priority is its people, and this can be seen through philosophical underpinnings and history.

The history of its own suffering and oppression has played a fundamental role in China's policies and geopolitics, and hence informs its non-interference in other nations.

The journey of the Chinese is one Africa can emulate but from a different perspective. After all, the continent started from a unifying point with the formation of a continental body that marked its 50th anniversary last year.

Critical thinkers see little to show for it with Africa still synonymous with conflict, droughts, hunger and epidemics. Can Africa then, fulfill the dreams of its forefathers?

Indeed, the continent is grateful to have China as its ally. The relationship has catalyzed infrastructure development that was non-existent prior to its arrival. Moreover, the dream to move from commodity-dependent economies to manufacturing has resuscitated with millions of youths now hopeful of securing critical skills and employment. Knowledge transfer to Africa in addition to technology and development is surely seen as a way toward institutional reforms.

Africa could draw from its history; both the positives and negatives, just as China did. It is already there to be used as reference point. The difficult part is rallying its people to this common call. History points out the difficulties of this journey, but it also highlights the positives. Just like in China, success can be achieved.

The author is a coordinator for the China-Africa Program under the Africa Center for Emerging Powers at the Africa Policy Institute in Nairobi, Kenya. The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 06/17/2016 page18)