China’s development path offers valuable lessons for Africa, says Tanzanian expert

China’s rapid economic transformation into the world’s second-largest economy in around four decades offers valuable lessons for African countries, said Humphrey Moshi, a professor of economics at the University of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Moshi, who also serves as director of the university’s Center for Chinese Studies, commended China’s reform and opening-up policy and its culture of long-term planning.

He said these attributes have not only lifted hundreds of millions of Chinese citizens out of poverty but also provided developing nations, including those in Africa, with a practical model for sustainable growth.

One key lesson for Africa, Moshi said, lies in China’s disciplined adherence to its five-year development plans, a system that ensures policy continuity and accountability.

“China has been remarkably consistent in implementing and evaluating its five-year plans,” he said. “In Africa, we have similar plans but often lack the institutional frameworks to monitor and evaluate them effectively.”

He added that African countries need to cultivate a culture of consistency to achieve long-term national goals such as Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 and Kenya’s Vision 2030.

Moshi also noted China’s economic opening has fueled not only domestic prosperity but also global development, citing initiatives such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which have helped transform infrastructure, industry, and human capacity in partner nations.

Describing the BRI as a “holistic project” that addresses both hard and soft infrastructure needs, Moshi said, “When you look at the BRI, more than 150 countries have participated, and it has created immense benefits… It tackles issues of connectivity comprehensively — railways, roads, ports, and even airports.”

“These projects have improved trade, mobility, and regional integration,” he said. “The BRI is a platform that we in Africa should continue to participate in actively because it yields economic, social, and even political dividends.”

“This shows that globalization, when practiced fairly, can be highly beneficial to developing countries,” he emphasized.

He also highlighted the ongoing China International Import Expo (CIIE) as a key platform for African countries to expand trade, attract investment, and showcase local products on the global stage.

“CIIE strengthens China-Africa economic ties and promotes Africa’s integration into the global economy,” he said. “It allows African nations to learn from global best practices while creating new growth avenues.”

Noting a growing wave of protectionism in the West, Moshi said, “China has consistently promoted globalization and opposed unilateralism… While some countries impose tariffs and isolate themselves, China keeps engaging the world.”

Xinhua