Interview of Dr. TALING TRODRIGUE by CGTN

Interview of Dr. TALING TRODRIGUE by CGTN

By SinAfricaNews September 1, 2024 0 Comments

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Interview of Dr. TALING T. RODRIGUE by CGTN

InterviewCGTN: As one of the African scholars who co-signed the letter to President Xi Jinping, what motivated you to participate in this initiative, and what specific outcomes do you hope this collaboration will achieve for Africa?

Dr. TALING: My motivation to co-sign the letter to President Xi Jinping stemmed from a deep commitment to fostering a mutually beneficial relationship between Africa and China, especially in the realm of academic and policy exchanges. As an African scholar, I see immense potential in this collaboration to address some of the continent’s most pressing challenges, such as poverty, infrastructure development, and technological advancement. By working closely with China, we can harness their experience in rapid development and innovation to craft solutions tailored to Africa’s unique context. The specific outcomes I hope to achieve include enhanced capacity-building for African institutions, increased opportunities for African scholars in Chinese research programs, and joint initiatives that promote sustainable development in Africa.

CGTN: President Xi emphasized the significance of the “Dar es Salaam Consensus” in his reply. How do you see this consensus influencing future research directions and policy development, particularly in addressing the challenges faced by the “Global South”?

Dr. TALING : The “Dar es Salaam Consensus” is a pivotal milestone in the evolving relationship between China and Africa. It represents a shared commitment to addressing global challenges through South-South cooperation. I see this consensus shaping future research and policy development by emphasizing the importance of equality, mutual respect, and shared benefits. It will likely encourage collaborative research that addresses key issues such as climate change, poverty reduction, and sustainable development. For the Global South, it is a call to action for countries to unite in advocating for a more just and equitable international order, where their voices and concerns are adequately represented and addressed.

CGTN: With the upcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, what key areas do you believe African scholars should focus on to ensure that the outcomes of this summit align with the developmental needs of Africa and contribute to the broader goals of China-Africa cooperation? （optional）

Dr. TALING: In the upcoming FOCAC Summit, I believe African scholars should focus on several key areas to ensure that the outcomes align with Africa’s developmental needs.

Firstly, we should advocate for increased investment in education and technology transfer to build a knowledge-based economy in Africa.
Secondly, there should be a focus on infrastructure development, not just in physical terms but also in digital infrastructure to support Africa’s integration into the global economy.
Thirdly, it’s crucial to address the issue of debt sustainability, ensuring that the financial agreements under FOCAC are structured in a way that promotes long-term economic stability. Lastly, we should emphasize the importance of cultural and academic exchanges, which will foster deeper understanding and trust between the peoples of Africa and China, thereby strengthening the foundation for long-term cooperation.

These efforts will contribute not only to Africa’s development but also to the broader goals of China-Africa cooperation, ensuring that this partnership is both sustainable and beneficial for all parties involved.