Mukupa Writes

  By Linda Mupemo President Hakainde Hichilema delivers a keynote speech during the commissioning of the Chisamba solar power plant - Picture courtesy of his Facebook page Republican President Hakainde Hichilema says the Zambia-China Cooperation has played a vital role in revolutionising the energy sector in the country.    Mr. Hichilema noted that the partnership spanning 60 years was instrumental in implementing the 100-megawatt Chisamba solar power project in Chisamba district in Central Province.   ZANIS reports that the Head of State said this during the commissioning of the US$ 100 million solar energy project which has been implemented by Zambia’s Kariba North Bank Extension Power Corporation in collaboration with the People’s Republic of China’s PowerChina. Ariel view of the Chisamba solar power plant Mr. Hichilema thanked PowerChina for its contribution to constructing Zambia’s largest solar photovoltaic plant, adding that the Chisamba solar powe...

 By Linda Mupemo Republican Vice President Mutale Nalumango (L) and Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing (R) make a toast during the 75th anniversary celebrations of the founding of the People’s Republic of China - Picture by Royd Sibajene Five days after gaining independence from its colonial masters on 24th October 1964, Zambia with  founding President Kenneth Kaunda at the helm of power established diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.  The international cooperation was the first of its kind in the region, making Zambia to have been the first country in Southern Africa to establish diplomatic ties with the People's Republic of China.  Over the years, the two countries have continued to hold each other's hands on their paths to modernisation and weathering underdevelopment storms along the way.  Noteworthy is that Zambia is one of the countries that stood with the People's Republic of China at a time it needed friends.  For instance, ...

 By Linda Mupemo  Mulambo Haimbe - Picture courtesy of his Facebook page  Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe has described the Zambia - China Cooperation as a strategic international partnership aimed at fostering social economic transformation in the country.  Mr. Haimbe clarified that cooperation between the two countries in various sectors is not in any way attracting foreign debt for Zambia.  Mr. Haimbe said this last night when he featured on Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Television's Sunday interview programme which was dubbed "Zambia - China Relations." He said the Zambian Government signed several agreements with Chinese entities on the sidelines of the 2024 Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit which when actualised will enable the country address challenges it is facing in sectors such as energy and transport.  "During the bilateral meeting Republican President Hakainde Hichilema h...

 By Linda Mupemo  President Hakainde Hichilema (L) held a bilateral meeting with the People's Republic of China President Xi Jinping (R) - Picture courtesy of Mr. Hichilema's Facebook page  The buzz about the 2024 Forum on China - Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit may be simmering down but its impact is projected to have long-term results in member countries.  FOCAC was established 24 years ago as an avenue for multilateral partnership between China and 53 African countries.  The FOCAC Summit is held every three years in either the People's Republic of China or an African country.  Zambia's Republican President Hakainde Hichilema was among the 53 heads of states who attended the 2024 FOCAC Summit which was held from 4th to 6th September in the People's Republic of China capital city, Beijing.  This year’s FOCAC Summit was held under the theme, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernisation and Build a High - Level China - Africa Community with a Shared F...

By Linda Mupemo  Zhao Yating A Chinese official has called for continued collaborative efforts in human rights protection in Africa and China.  Chinese Academy of Social Sciences Assistant Research Fellow Zhao Yating noted that both Africa and China experienced western colonialism hence they value their human rights and understand the importance of safeguarding these rights. Ms. Zhao stated that the shared experiences between Africa and China regarding human rights have shaped China’s support for human rights in Africa.  She said China’s financial aid to Africa in various sectors such as infrastructure development, education and healthcare demonstrates China’s commitment to helping African countries create an environment where human rights can be enjoyed. “Democracy and human rights are not castles in the air; they cannot be realised through mere rhetoric. They must be built on economic development, improved educational standards and increased awareness of democracy and t...

By Linda Mupemo, Beijing  2024 CIPCC Fellows  As the 2030 agenda for sustainable development deadline draws near, United Nations (UN) member states are intensifying their efforts aimed at achieving the 17 goals. The People's Republic of China is one of the few countries that have achieved Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number one which focuses on eliminating extreme poverty.     China Anti- Poverty Research Institute Professor Wang Sangui states that the Chinese Government succeeded in lifting over 800 million people out of poverty by 2020, ten years ahead of the UN schedule.  The Asian country has equally made headways with the provision of clean and affordable energy, promoting industrialisation,  innovation and quality education among other goals.  Having realised the vital role international cooperation plays in advancing development and global impact, China is strengthening partnerships with various sectors of the international community ...