Shared path toward modernization: Uganda’s Deputy Speaker on building a sustainable partnership with China

Thomas Tayebwa, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, discussed China's unique development model and its significance for Africa. He emphasized that China’s approach is special to Africa, particularly in its ability to assist without imposing conditions. "China has been crucial in focusing on promoting partnerships based on mutual respect and accepting that, as Africans, we have our own culture and ways of doing things," Tayebwa remarked. He highlighted that while Africa faces challenges in financing, China’s support, without conditions, has been deeply appreciated.

Tayebwa also expressed a desire for increased collaboration with China, particularly in knowledge transfer and investment. He noted that Africa’s agricultural sector, with its favorable climate and fertile soils, has great potential to create jobs and improve local economies through value-added processing. "There is no better partner we see for achieving this than China," he stated, stressing the importance of working with China to drive Africa’s economic transformation.

Furthermore, Tayebwa highlighted China’s significant contributions to renewable energy in Africa, with projects like the Karuma and Isimba dams in Uganda. "China has supported us strongly in renewable energy, providing affordable solar and wind energy," he said. He also pointed out that Africa’s path to modernization does not need to follow Western models. Instead, Tayebwa emphasized that Africa should adopt its own solutions, learning from China’s experience in developing local solutions for its unique challenges.