Africa told to adapt and not replicate China’s development model
African countries should draw practical lessons from China’s modernization journey without attempting to replicate its development model, Mr Paul Frimpong, Founder and Executive Director of the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA), has advised.
Mr Frimpong said although China’s transformation from an underdeveloped economy into a global industrial and technological powerhouse offers valuable lessons, Africa’s diverse political, economic and social realities require context-specific solutions.
In an article titled; “Reflections on China’s Modernization Journey at 105: Perspectives for Africa,” released to mark the 105th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Mr Frimpong urged African countries to focus on adapting relevant development principles rather than copying China’s model.
According to him, China’s experience demonstrates that modernization goes beyond economic growth to encompass industrialization, infrastructure development, technological innovation, poverty reduction, education, urbanization and the strengthening of public institutions.
Mr Frimpong noted that sustainable development depends on productive industries, capable institutions, skilled human capital and policies that evolve in response to changing domestic and global realities.
He identified long-term planning and policy continuity as key features of China’s development success, explaining that successive five-year development plans had provided policy consistency while facilitating industrial upgrading, infrastructure expansion and technological advancement over several decades.
He observed that while many African countries have long-term national development plans, a major challenge often lies in sustaining policy implementation across political transitions and translating development strategies into measurable outcomes.
The policy expert also highlighted investment in productive infrastructure as a major driver of China’s economic transformation.
He explained that roads, ports, railways, airports, logistics systems, and digital infrastructure had strengthened manufacturing, trade, and regional development.
Mr Frimpong said African countries should view infrastructure not only as a means of connecting communities but also as a catalyst for industrialization, regional integration and economic competitiveness, particularly within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He further underscored the importance of value addition, innovation and human capital development, stressing that African economies should increase investments in agro-processing, manufacturing, technology, research, entrepreneurship and digital skills to create jobs and enhance competitiveness.
He noted that with one of the world’s youngest populations, Africa has significant opportunities to leverage innovation and knowledge as drivers of long-term development.
Mr Frimpong said the future of Africa-China cooperation should increasingly focus on industrialization, technology transfer, research collaboration, skills development and people-to-people exchanges to strengthen productive capacity and support sustainable development.
He stressed that the most meaningful development lessons emerge through thoughtful adaptation rather than imitation and urged African countries to pursue reforms that reflect their unique institutions, priorities and development aspirations.
Source: GNA