Business

 

 

MTN Ghana, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, has announced a series of initiatives to mark the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

This global campaign takes place from November 25th to December 10th, 2024, with the aim of raising awareness and taking action to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence. Within this period, the organisations are focusing on increasing awareness about GBV, providing resources and support, promoting gender equality and amplifying messages on the implication of GBV on victims.

The partners are utilizing the extensive transport system to educate the public on the causes, consequences, and prevention of GBV.

In her Keynote address, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, emphasized the need to tackle gender-based violence stating that 27.7% of Ghanaian women experienced domestic violence, while 38.2% of adolescent girls have suffered sexual violence. These figures, she said, calls for urgent collective action to end gender-based violence in Ghana.

Robert Kuzoe

Speaking at the launch of the campaign, the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr. Charles Abani said, “this is an initiative that seeks to harness the power and reach of Ghana’s public transport network to create awareness and foster action against GBV. Public transport in Ghana plays a vital role in the daily lives of millions of citizens. It is a space where people come together, regardless of their background, to travel for work, school, social activities, and more. This makes it a prime opportunity for dialogue and education on critical social issues such as GBV”.

Speaking on the campaign, Robert Kuzoe, Senior Manager for MTN Ghana Foundation, emphasized the company’s commitment to collaborating with partners to end GBV. He stated, “Gender-based violence is not inevitable; it is preventable. We have a responsibility to create a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can live free from fear and violence. Ending GBV is not just about protecting victims; it is about promoting human rights, equality, and a future where everyone can thrive.”

 

Dravid Wilfred Ochan, UNFPA Country Representative, called on Ghanaians to share their stories, experiences, and ideas for creating a safer and GBV-free transport sector. He called for more action from policymakers, transport operators, and community leaders against GBV.

“I invite everyone of you to join us in this vital mission to raise awareness and mobilize action against GBV by using the hashtag – #JoinTheBusStopTheViolence. Let us share our stories, experiences, and ideas for creating a safer and GBV-free transport sector.” He emphasized.

The General Secretary of GPRTU, Mr. Godfred Abugiri in his welcome address expressed his excitement about the partnership and stated the GPRTU’s commitment to helping fight Gender Based Violence in Ghana.

UNFPA, MTN Ghana and GPRTU acknowledge that gender-based violence undermines the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals, and they remain dedicated to creating a society where everyone can live free from violence, fear, and discrimination. This initiative highlights MTN’s commitment to promoting safety, equality, and respect for all members of the community.

Through this campaign, the three organizations aim to inspire collective action, empowering individuals, communities, and organizations to challenge harmful norms, report incidents of abuse, and support survivors.

End
Media Contacts:
Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu
Senior Manager Corporate Communications
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com

MEDIA RELEASE

Accra 26th November 2024 MTN Ghana has partnered with MobileMoney Ltd and Access Bank Ghana PLC to offer device financing for MTN customers. This new service, called “MTN Pick and Pay Later,” allows customers to select a smartphone, make an initial payment, and pay off the remaining balance in instalments over either 4 or 6 months through MoMo.

The smartphone options available to customers will be determined by their creditworthiness, which is assessed through a credit scoring engine on the MTN network. To access this service, customers can dial *170#, select Financial Services, and then choose “Device Pick and Pay Later” under the Loans section.

Mr. Noel Kojo-Ganson, the Chief Commercial Officer for MTN, emphasized the company’s belief that everyone deserves the benefit of a modern, connected life, including having a good smartphone for high-speed internet services. He noted that this initiative is intended to help customers who want smartphones but may have limited cash for upfront purchases. The collaboration with MobileMoney Ltd and Access Bank is important for reducing communication costs.

As part of this collaboration, Access Bank will offer financing options for customers to purchase smartphones that enable access to digital banking services, ensuring they can stay connected online. This partnership aligns with the bank’s goal of promoting financial inclusion and supporting a cash-light economy, making it easier for customers to afford smartphones and access digital services.

Matilda Asante-Asiedu, Group Head of Retail Banking at Access Bank Ghana, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Only 13% of the eligible population have access to borrowing leaving a substantial gap for those who qualify but do not have access to finance.” She added,

“This partnership reflects Access Bank’s vision of providing innovative solutions to the markets we serve, empowering individuals to support their lifestyles in a world that is rapidly becoming more digital, all through the convenience of a mobile phone.”

The “Pick and Pay Later” service is supported by other partners, including Hollard Insurance, PaySwitch, and Atlantic Phones, all of which provide various services to enhance customer experience.

With a wide range of smartphone options available, from entry-level to mid-tier 4G phones, the MTN “Pick and Pay Later” service aims to meet customers’ needs and support their ability to transact anytime and anywhere. By financing these devices, MTN Ghana, Access Bank, and their partners are dedicated to reaching the unbanked population and promoting the adoption of digital financial solutions.

Customers can find more details about the service by visiting www.mtnghnana.com and www.ghana.accessbankplc.com sending an email to customercare.gh@mtn.com or by accessing ‘Device Pick and Pay Later’ under the loan menu using the MTN short code *170#.

End.

Media Contacts:
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu

Source:Dr.Razak KoJo Opoku

Sincerely speaking, Ghanaians experienced some significant level of economic difficulties especially during the Post Covid-19 economic recovery periods of 2021, 2022 and 2023, exacerbated by global supply chain disruptions caused by the geopolitical tensions/war between Russia and Ukraine.

Before the war, Ukraine and Russia were major suppliers of wheat, fertilizers, and fuel to many African countries including Ghana.

Despite the aforementioned challenges, the facts and data on Ghana’s economy show that the New Patriotic Party(NPP) and its roots, UP Tradition still come across as the Party with the best track records when it comes to the prudent management of the economy of Ghana.

This includes;

Ghana’s Inflation Rates Statistics between NPP and NDC

According to facts and data, the worst yearly inflation rates of Ghana were recorded under the governments of NDC, and Hilla Limann’s government(54.44% in 1979, 50.04% in 1980 and 116.50% in 1981).

Ghana’s worst yearly Inflation Rates recorded under the PNDC/NDC governments are as follows:

122.87% in 1983
39.6% in 1984
24.57% in 1986
39.82% in 1987
31.36% in 1988
25.22% in 1989
37.26% in 1990
24.96% in 1993
24.87% in 1994
59.46% in 1995
46.56% in 1996
27.89% in 1997
14.62% in 1998
40.24% in 2000
19.25% in 2009
15.49% in 2014
17.15% in 2015
17.45% in 2016.

However, Ghana’s worst yearly inflation rates recorded under NPP governments are as follows:

41.51% in 2001
29.77% in 2003
18.04% in 2004
15.44% in 2005
16.49% in 2008
31.71% in 2022
37.53% in 2023

I want to state authoritatively that, the New Patriotic Party has NEVER recorded a yearly inflation rate of 54.1%.

The 54.1% recorded under Akufo-Addo’s government was a monthly inflation rate of December 2022, however, the yearly inflation rate for 2022 was 31.71%.

In terms of excellent inflation rates track records of Ghana, the UP Tradition which has produced Busia’s government, Kufuor’s government and Akufo-Addo’s government possess the best track record for Ghana.

Best Inflation Rates under Busia government are as follows:

7.32% in 1969
3.03% in 1970
9.56% in 1971
10.07% in 1972

So far, absolutely no government in Ghana’s history has been able to beat the inflation rates track record of Busia’s government.

Best Inflation Rates under Kufour’s government are as follows:

9.36% in 2002
11.68% in 2006
10.73% in 2007

Best Inflation Rates under Akufo-Addo’s government are as follows:

12.37% in 2017
7.81%.in 2018
7.14% in 2019
9.89% in 2020
9.99% in 2021

Moving to the governments of NDC, the Best Inflation Rates under Rawlings government are as follows:

10.31% in 1985
4.87% in 1999
10.06% in 1992

Best Inflation Rates under Mills’ government are as follows:

10.73% in 2010
8.73% in 2011
11.19% in 2012

Best Inflation Rates under Mahama’s government are as follows:

11.67% in 2013
15.49% in 2014
17.15% in 2015
17.45% in 2016

It is important to state that, there was NO Covid-19 pandemic and global supply chain disruptions under Mahama’s government, and Mills’ government.

Historically, on the average, the New Patriotic Party(NPP) has excellent inflation rate track records than the NDC based on Facts and Data.

Why Akufo-Addo Recorded a Monthly Inflation Rate of 54.1% in December 2022

The monthly inflation rate of 54.1% recorded in December 2022, and yearly inflation rates of 31.71%, and 37.53% respectively recorded in 2022 and 2023 were predominantly influenced by unforseen external factors beyond the control of the government.

The Russia-Ukraine War severely disrupted the global supply chains, fuelling a devastating surge in the prices of food(wheat), fuel, Iron rods, fertilizers and other materials.

In Ghana, Kenya and Egypt, for example, Russian and Ukraine wheat once accounted for as much as 80%, 85%, and 67% of imports respectively.

Furthermore, the impact of the Russia-Ukraine War comes at a time when Ghana, Africa and the world at large were still reeling from the economic setbacks caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, adding about 18-25 million people to the already estimated 546 million Africans living in poverty.

Management of Ghana’s Debts to GDP Analysis

John Mahama has accused Akufo-Addo’s government of increasing the national debts of Ghana to 767 Billion Ghana Cedis at the exchange rate of 16.02ghc to $1, giving us $47.88 Billion debts in terms of dollars.

However, John Mahama has forgotten to acknowledge the fact that, the worth or total size of Ghana’s economy(GDP) has grew to $76.37 Billion under Akufo-Addo’s government, far better than the $56.16 Billion that Akufo-Addo Inherited from John Mahama in 2016.

Under John Mahama, the GDP of Ghana was $56.16 Billion at a population of 29.55 million Ghanaians. Dividing the $56.16 Billion by the population of 29.55 million, every Ghanaian was worth $1,900 at exchange rate of 3.95ghc to $1 which is equal to 7,505ghc.

What this means is that, if Ghana was to be sold to an Investor in 2016 under John Mahama, every Ghanaian would have received a total amount of $1,900 or 7,505ghc.

Fast forward to the government of Akufo-Addo, the GDP of Ghana has grown to $76.37 Billion at a population of 34.78 million Ghanaians. Dividing the $76.37 Billion by the population of 34.78 million, every Ghanaian is now worth $2, 200 at an exchange rate of 16.02ghc which is equal to 35, 244ghc.

What this means is that, if we are selling Ghana under Akufo-Addo’s government to an investor, every Ghanaian would receive a total amount of $2, 200 or 35,244ghc.

Therefore, despite economic challenges, Akufo-Addo’s government is still better than the government of John Mahama in terms of GDP growth in relation to the population growth of Ghana.

Ghana’s Relations with the IMF

Also, the opponents of NPP have ridiculed Akufo-Addo’s government for securing bailout from the IMF.

However, the facts and data prove that the New Patriotic Party is NOT reckless when it comes to securing support from the IMF. Per the records, PNDC/NDC has been to the IMF for bailout 10 Times as compared to the NPP which has been to the IMF 2 Times.

NDC Bailouts From the IMF are as follows:

3rd August 1983
27th August 1984
15th October 1986
November, 1987(for Structural Adjustment Facility Commitment)
6th November, 1987(for Extended Fund Facility)
9th November 1988
30th June 1995
3rd May 1999
15th July 2009
3rd April 2015

NPP Bailouts from the IMF are as follows:

9th May 2003
26th September 2022

Kufuor went to the IMF as a HIPC Country for a debt relief, and this initiative reduces Ghana’s debt from $66 Billion to $23 Billion after the IMF programme.

Akufo-Addo government went to the IMF for balance payments support largely due to Post COVID-19 economic recovery and the Russia-Ukraine War.

Would Bawumia’s Government Be Different from Akufo-Addo & Mahama’s Government?

Most definitely, the government of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would perform far better than the governments of Akufo-Addo and John Mahama.

The policy propositions of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia are superior to the policies initiated and implemented by the governments of Akufo-Addo and John Mahama.

Also, the government of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia would review the Foreign Exchange Act 723 in order to better manage and control the depreciation of the Cedi against the dollar and other major trading currencies.

Akufo-Addo’s government introduced E-levy but the government of Bawumia shall cancel E-levy.

Many have argued why not now? The answer is enshrined in Articles 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, and 184 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana whereby a Vice-President has NO Authority and Power to effect changes in policies even if he disagree with his President.

Mills’ government managed the economy with Dr. Kwabena Duffuor as a Minister of Finance, and Amissah-Arthur as a Governor of Bank of Ghana.

However, the government of John Mahama managed the economy with Seth Terkper as a Minister of Finance, Dr. Henry Kofi Wampah as a Governor of the Bank of Ghana, subsequently replaced by Dr. Abdul-Nashiru Issahaku. The same NDC with different governments with different people managing the respective Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy.

The two critical people to the economic success of every government are the Minister of Finance(responsible for the management of Fiscal Policy), and Governor of the Bank of Ghana(responsible for the management of Monetary Policy).

Therefore, the government of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia shall definitely appoint different people to manage the Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy of Ghana when elected as the President of the Republic of Ghana on 7th December, 2024.

 

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) has been awarded Telco of the Year at the prestigious Africa Tech Festival Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa. This award recognizes MTN Ghana’s innovative approach to addressing 4G traffic suppression in Accra since 2021.

MTN Ghana triumphed over competitors such as Liquid Intelligent Technologies, LANCK Telecom, and Orange Telecom to secure this esteemed accolade. This achievement followed a collaborative effort with Huawei to deploy a groundbreaking 2.6G Frequency-Division-Duplexing (FDD) massive Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) solution. This advanced technology significantly improved 4G network performance, providing a 5G-like experience and alleviating capacity bottlenecks.

 

Commenting on the award, Stephen Blewett, the CEO of MTN Ghana, stated, “We are thrilled to receive this award, which validates our commitment to investing in modern network infrastructure. In an increasingly digital world, the importance of robust and accessible telecommunications infrastructure cannot be overstated. Our goal is to ensure that everyone benefits from a modern connected life. This recognition reinforces our belief statement and fuels our journey toward becoming a technology and platform player.”

The Telco of the Year Award aims to recognize and honor network providers and telecommunications services that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to ensuring seamless and reliable connectivity for all. The award celebrates the vital role telecommunications companies play in connecting people, businesses, and communities, driving digital transformation, and fostering economic and social development across the region.

 

The 2024 Africa Tech Festival Awards acknowledge the outstanding achievements of telecommunications companies that excel in delivering high-quality services, expanding network coverage, and innovating to meet the evolving needs of their customers.

 

MTN Ghana is dedicated to leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress by providing reliable network services with extensive coverage, ensuring digital inclusion, and leveraging technology to enhance the customer experience.

 

End.

 

 

 

Media Contacts:

 

Adwoa Afriyie Wiafe

Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer

 

Georgina Asare Fiagbenu

Corporate Communications Senior Manager

Email: mtnghana.mediaoffice@mtn.com

 

BY KINGSLEY E.HOPE

Undoubtedly,China has emerged as a leader in global cooperation, particularly in poverty reduction and green development.

In fact, the country’s remarkable progress in lifting over 750 million people out of poverty some four decades ago, has  become a topical issue which has inspired nations worldwide.

The country’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2021, aims to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway

The commitment of China to sustainable development, prioritizes green growth, innovation, and international cooperation.

The GDI focuses on eight key areas, including poverty reduction, food security, pandemic response, financing for development, climate change, green development, industrialization.

The MAPUTO-KATEMBE BRIDGE IN KENYA

Talk about China’s poverty alleviation,the  strategy focuses on rural development, investing in rural infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

President Xi Jinping

On economic empowerment, it has  been providing training, microfinance, and job opportunities, while its social welfare aspect is ensuring access to basic services, such as healthcare and social security.

To create eco-friendly infrastructure,the project has been developing sustainable transportation systems and green buildings, ensuring environmental conservation, by way of protecting biodiversity, forests, and water resources.

BRI SUEZ CANAL PROJECT IN EGYPT

The GDI has made significant strides in Africa, fostering cooperation and development across the continent.
We can look at some examples of African nations that have benefited from China’s broader development initiatives.

Key among the beneficiaries are:
South Africa, a key partner of the BRI, which has seen significant investments in infrastructure development, including transportation and energy projects.

The BRI Mombasa-Nairobi standard gauge railway

Egypt has also benefited  heavily in terms of infrastructure, including the construction of the Suez Canal Economic Zone and various transportation projects.

Nigeria cannot be ruled out as China has provided significant financial support to their infrastructure development, including rail and road projects.

In Kenya, China has invested in transportation infrastructure, including the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.

Ethiopia has been supported in their industrialization efforts, including the development of industrial parks and manufacturing facilities.

Indeed, the GDI has been promoted through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched a decade ago by President Xi Jinping aiming to create a vast network of economic corridors, fostering global trade, investment, and cooperation, with China at its center.

In his ‘Governance of China’ book, on shared humanity President Xi Jinping said “there is only one earth and we humans have only one home…earth is still the only home we have so to care for and cherish it is our only option…we should not only think about our own generation, but also to take responsibility for those to come”.

According to President Xi Jinping “China stands for building a community of shared future for mankind and achieving inclusive and win-win development”.

To press home their effort to ensure development for all in the world, he continued “China has benefited from the world in its development, and China has also contributed to the world’s development;

“We will continue to pursue a mutually beneficial opening-up strategy, share our development opportunities with other countries and welcome them on board the train of China’s development”.

The above quotes provide insight into President Xi Jinping’s vision for China’s development and governance, emphasizing the importance of participation, international cooperation, and sustainable growth.

The quotes sum up the simple reason China is sharing its expertise and investing in green infrastructure, as well, and demonstrating its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.

As the global community continues to address pressing development challenges, China’s leadership and cooperation is very crucial in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

China has been actively engaged in global cooperation efforts to reduce poverty and promote green development and that has been strengthened through
established partnerships with various international organizations, including the United Nations, to support global development cooperation.

The collaboration with the United Nations  also gears toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change initiatives.

There has been collaboration with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to  finance sustainable infrastructure projects, as well as partnership with Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa on development and climate issues.

China,on climate change and green development, has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.

The country has also launched the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with a total input of $4 billion.

Additionally, China has pledged to increase its contribution to the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.

 

 

 

BY KINGSLEY E.HOPE

On October 10, 2023, China marked the 10th anniversary of the launch of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) with the unveiling of a ‘White Paper’ on the BRI.

The document, titled, “The Belt and Road Initiative: A Key Pillar of the Global Community of Shared Future,” represents an overarching review and reaffirmation of the BRI’s global role and impact since its conception and launch in 2013.

It initially took the form of the “One Belt, One Road initiative,” and encompassed  the overland Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road. These two components gave birth to an interconnected network of trade routes spanning continents.

In 2016, a significant change occurred when the initiative’s name shifted to the Belt and Road Initiative, better representing its broad scope and global outlook.

President Xi Jinping

In the following year, the BRI was elevated to a national vision and strategy, emphasizing its pivotal role in China’s long-term development and global engagement.

Although the BRI was initially conceived to enhance connectivity between East Asia and Europe (the Eurasian continent) through a comprehensive network of road and maritime infrastructure, it has since expanded beyond the Eurasian continent and reached Africa and Latin America.

As a result, it has developed into a far-reaching global initiative, with over 150 countries and 30 international organizations participating through joining or signing cooperation agreements with the BRI.

Since the launch, the project has significantly impacted African countries.
With 53 African nations participating, the BRI has contributed substantial investments in infrastructure, including ports, railways, and renewable energy projects.

It is on record that in 2023, African countries received $21.7 billion in BRI deals, thus making China a giant lender in Africa, with loans exceeding $170 billion to 49 African countries and regional institutions from 2000-2022.

The initiative has led to the construction of critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports, and power facilities which is transforming the continent’s economic landscape.

Notable examples of these projects include the Mombasa-Nairobi Railway in Kenya, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway in Ethiopia, the Port of Doraleh in Djibouti, the Maputo-Katembe Bridge in Mozambique, the Lagos-Kano Railway in Nigeria, the Entebbe-Kampala Expressway in Uganda, the Cherchell Ring Expressway and Port in Algeria, among others.

These endeavours exemplify the tangible impact of the BRI on Africa’s journey towards realizing its development goals and Agenda 2063, which outlines a significant connection between the BRI and regional and global development initiatives.

Specifically, the BRI aligns with plans such as the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

This alignment implies that the implementation of the BRI complements the development objectives of Africa.

Adopted by the AU in 2015, Agenda 2063 is a comprehensive, long-term development framework to transform the continent into a global powerhouse.

This vision entails a peaceful, prosperous, and integrated continent, emphasizing innovative and flagship projects to foster integration among African nations.

The projects include the development of a modernized and integrative infrastructure network to facilitate the free movement of goods and people and the establishment of an African Free Trade Area to promote intra-regional trade.

The latter objective has been successfully realized by establishing the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), the world’s largest free trade area, which is mandated to create a single continental market for the African people.

During the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Beijing, which marked the largest ever meeting between Chinese and African leaders, a very significant declaration was made.

China and African nations agreed to deepen their cooperation by aligning Africa’s Agenda 2063 development strategies with the BRI, which aimed to enhance connectivity in various areas, including policy, infrastructure, trade, finance, and industrial capacity under the BRI.

According to the “Governance of China” book, by President Xi Jinping, on building a closer belt and road partnership, “the BRI is a public road open to all,not a private path owned by one single party…all interested countries are welcome to take part in cooperation and share in its benefits”.

President Xi Jinping, on April 20,2021 at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, via video link, stated “going forward, we will continue to work with other parties on high quality belt and road cooperation…we will follow the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits…we will ensure that belt and road cooperation is people-centered and sustainable,and meets high standards”.

A World Bank study suggests that by 2030,belt and road projects wil have helped to lift about 7.6 million people from extreme poverty and 32 million people from moderate poverty across the world.

As of June 2023, the China-Europe Railway Express has achieved an extensive network, encompassing over 200 cities in 25 European countries.

This network spans 86 routes that traverse vital regions within the Eurasian hinterlands, signifying the remarkable reach and impact of the BRI on intercontinental trade and connectivity.

Other substantial infrastructure projects under the umbrella of the BRI include, the China-Laos Railway, the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway, the Belgrade-Novi Sad section of the Hungary-Serbia Railway, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Highway, the China-Central Asia Gas Pipeline, and the development of the Port of Piraeus in Greece.

Acting in the spirit of openness and inclusiveness, President Xi Jinping continued, “we will work with all BRI participants of the belt and road into a pathway to poverty reduction and economic growth and contribute to common prosperity for all”.

2.China’s Global Cooperation in Poverty Reduction and Green Development: A New Era of Sustainable Development.

Undoubtedly,China has emerged as a leader in global cooperation, particularly in poverty reduction and green development.

In fact, the country’s remarkable progress in lifting over 750 million people out of poverty some four decades ago, has  become a topical issue which has inspired nations worldwide.

The country’s Global Development Initiative (GDI), proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2021, aims to accelerate the implementation of the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The commitment of China to sustainable development, prioritizes green growth, innovation, and international cooperation.

The GDI focuses on eight key areas, including poverty reduction, food security, pandemic response, financing for development, climate change, green development, industrialization.

Talk about China’s poverty alleviation,the  strategy focuses on rural development, investing in rural infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

On economic empowerment, it has  been providing training, microfinance, and job opportunities, while its social welfare aspect is ensuring access to basic services, such as healthcare and social security.

To create eco-friendly infrastructure,the project has been developing sustainable transportation systems and green buildings, ensuring environmental conservation, by way of protecting biodiversity, forests, and water resources.

The GDI has made significant strides in Africa, fostering cooperation and development across the continent.
We can look at some examples of African nations that have benefited from China’s broader development initiatives.

Key among the beneficiaries are:
South Africa, a key partner of the BRI, which has seen significant investments in infrastructure development, including transportation and energy projects.

Egypt has also benefited  heavily in terms of infrastructure, including the construction of the Suez Canal Economic Zone and various transportation projects.

Nigeria cannot be ruled out as China has provided significant financial support to their infrastructure development, including rail and road projects.

In Kenya, China has invested in transportation infrastructure, including the construction of the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway.

Ethiopia has been supported in their industrialization efforts, including the development of industrial parks and manufacturing facilities.

Indeed, the GDI has been promoted through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which was launched a decade ago by President Xi Jinping aiming to create a vast network of economic corridors, fostering global trade, investment, and cooperation, with China at its center.

In his ‘Governance of China’ book, on shared humanity President Xi Jinping said “there is only one earth and we humans have only one home…earth is still the only home we have so to care for and cherish it is our only option…we should not only think about our own generation, but also to take responsibility for those to come”.

According to President Xi Jinping “China stands for building a community of shared future for mankind and achieving inclusive and win-win development”.

To press home their effort to ensure development for all in the world, he continued “China has benefited from the world in its development, and China has also contributed to the world’s development;

“We will continue to pursue a mutually beneficial opening-up strategy, share our development opportunities with other countries and welcome them on board the train of China’s development”.

The above quotes provide insight into President Xi Jinping’s vision for China’s development and governance, emphasizing the importance of participation, international cooperation, and sustainable growth.

The quotes sum up the simple reason China is sharing its expertise and investing in green infrastructure, as well, and demonstrating its commitment to a more equitable and sustainable world.

As the global community continues to address pressing development challenges, China’s leadership and cooperation is very crucial in achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

China has been actively engaged in global cooperation efforts to reduce poverty and promote green development and that has been strengthened through
established partnerships with various international organizations, including the United Nations, to support global development cooperation.

The collaboration with the United Nations  also gears toward Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and climate change initiatives.

There has been collaboration with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), to  finance sustainable infrastructure projects, as well as partnership with Brazil, Russia, India, and South Africa on development and climate issues.

China,on climate change and green development, has committed to reducing its carbon footprint and promoting sustainable development.

The country has also launched the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund with a total input of $4 billion. Additionally, China has pledged to increase its contribution to the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund.