China's Xi promises one million jobs for Africa

#China

#XiJinping

#ForumOnChinaAfrica Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping has pledged to create "at least" one million jobs in Africa as he seeks to position Beijing as the development partner of choice for the Global South. Speaking at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation on Thursday, Xi said Beijing would provide African countries $51bn in new financing, including loans and "various types of assistance", and support 30 infrastructure projects to boost connectivity across the continent. "We have together built roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people," Xi told visiting African leaders in Beijing, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.