China-sponsored projects help boost Botswana's agriculture sector

GABORONE - An agriculture project sponsored by China-Africa People-to-People Friendship Action on Tuesday broke ground in southern Botswana's Kangwe village.

Under the action, Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana will help Kangwe village leveling soil by employing specialized company and local villagers. The village will thereafter be able to grow crops on the land.

Charge d'affaires of the Chinese embassy in Botswana Li Nan said agriculture development, youth and women empowerment, and poverty alleviation are always the areas of importance and priority for Botswana.

The Chinese side will support Kangwe Village for its efforts to empower its people through agriculture. The Chinese government and China-Africa People-to-People Friendship Action will continue to support the local NGOs and their efforts for the social development of Botswana.

Chinese Enterprises Association in Botswana was established by around 30 Chinese companies, most of which are state-owned companies from China. The total amount of donations made by the Association has accumulated to around 1 million pula (approximately 110,000 US dollars).

Botswana Minister of Agriculture Patrick Ralotsia appreciated sponsorship provided by the Chinese side, adding that this joint project will benefit the village and push forward friendship between Chinese people and Botswana people.

Assistant Minister of Health Alfred Madigele also attended the ceremony.

China-Africa People-to-People Friendship Action was officially launched by the Chinese government in 2013. The action aims at encouraging and supporting non-governmental and civil organizations from China and Africa to further develop people-to-people exchanges and cooperation.

Since 2013, China-Africa People-to-People Friendship Action has already supported three local projects in Botswana.