Sunday Mail Correspondent
CHINA has pledged to strengthen anti-corruption cooperation with African countries, describing the fight against graft as the new frontier of China-Africa relations.
This emerged at the official opening of the weeklong China-Egypt Regional Training Programme on Anti-Corruption for African countries currently underway in Cairo.
The anti-corruption seminar — jointly organised by the China Academy of Discipline Inspection and Supervision (CADIS) and the Egyptian Administrative Control Authority (ACA) — is being attended by 29 participants from 22 African countries, including Zimbabwe.
Addressing delegates during the official opening, CADIS vice president Mr Cai Zhiqiang said China-Africa relations have evolved through various phases of mutual support.
“China-Africa relations have transformed from supporting each other in the fight for independence to infrastructure development and now anti-corruption cooperation,” said Mr Cai.
He shared China’s anti-corruption experience under the Path of Anti-Corruption with Chinese Characteristics, a governance model propounded by President Xi Jinping.
The Chinese framework, Mr Cai said, offers a new paradigm for global governance and is anchored on President Xi Jinping’s Three Noes principle aimed at ensuring officials dare not, cannot and do not want to corrupt.
He said the model combines strict discipline, institutional reform and ideological education to build a system where corruption has no place to thrive.
Mr Cai also said China is ready to share its experiences and learn from African countries as part of efforts to protect national resources and promote clean governance for sustainable development.
Speaking at the same occasion, ACA Head of International Cooperation Mr Mohamed El-Ngomy said the programme reflects the shared commitment to build resilient anti-corruption systems on the continent.
“This programme signifies the mutual desire to improve the capacity of African countries. It helps us develop solutions for responding to the needs of our countries and also protects national resources,” said Mr El-Ngomy.
Director of the Egyptian Anti-Corruption Academy (EACA) Mr Hesham El-Rakaybi spoke on the role of EACA in building professional capacity and fostering regional cooperation in the prevention and fight against corruption.
The training programme is focusing on strengthening anti-corruption strategies, asset recovery, international cooperation and capacity building for anti-graft institutions.
