China

Background

The People’s Republic of China joined the AfDB and the ADF in 1985. Co-operation between China and the Bank Group dates back to 1996. China has since provided support to the Bank’s institutional activities, projects, programmes and technical assistance operations in Africa. China’s assistance to Africa is provided through the People’s Bank of China, the China Development Bank, the Export – Import Bank of China and the newly established China-Africa Development Fund.With an initial contribution of US$14.59 million to the AfDB, China has taken part in eight replenishments of the ADF and pledged a total contribution of US$ 486 million, US$ 122 million of which was for the ADF XI (2008-2010). China’s support contributes strongly to Africa’s development and poverty reduction efforts on the continent and has been widely recognized by the member states. China joined the ADF’s Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative in 2006 and submitted the instruments of commitment for 2006-2007 and 2008-2015 with a contribution of UA 18.71 million.In May 2007, China organized the 42nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the AfDB and the 33rd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the ADF in Shanghai.

Joint Initiatives

• China’s Policy Paper on Africa clearly expresses the country’s keen interest in further expanding the investment in African countries in support of their economic growth and development.
• The Bank has signed in 2008 two Memoranda of Understanding. One was with with the Export – Import Bank of China and the other with the China Development Bank. These would provide the basis for the Bank and China to make optimal use of each other’s comparative advantages and financial instruments to foster African development, especially in the areas of infrastructure and private sector.  Under the memorandum of understanding, both Banks will second their staff to the ADB in 2009.

Formal agreements and financial contributions

• The Bank and China signed their first technical cooperation agreement of US$ 2 million in 1996.  In May 2008, the People’s Bank of China and the AfDB jointly held a seminar on experiences in rural finance development in China and Africa during the AfDB Annual Meetings in Maputo, followed by a study tour to China organized for Ugandan officials.  In 2009, a series of technical cooperation activities are being planned in the areas of the environment, agriculture and water with the support of the Chinese Trust Fund.
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China signed in May 2008 to promote co-financing in Africa.
• Memorandum of Understanding between the Bank and China Development Bank signed in September 2008 to promote joint financing and analytical work.

Focal point for the AfDB-China partnership and cooperation

Mr. David Flament
Chief Partnership Cooperation Officer
Partnership and Cooperation Unit (ORRU)
Tel :  + (216) 71 10 3473