President Xi of China promises one million jobs for Africa

Chinese President Xi Jinping has promised to create more than one million jobs in Africa as he tries to position Beijing as the best development partner for countries in the Global South.

Speaking at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum on Thursday, Xi said Beijing would provide $51 billion to African countries in new funding, including loans and "various forms of aid", and support 30 infrastructure projects to strengthen communication throughout the continent .

According to Xinhua News Agency, Xi told the African leaders who visited Beijing that: "We have jointly built roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial areas and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people."

President Xi has said that the people of China and Africa working together can "achieve new and greater things" and lead a "modern" Southern Region .

President Xi's declaration has come as Beijing seeks to expand its influence in Africa amid economic and diplomatic differences between Western countries, especially the United States.

Beijing's process of strengthening relations with Africa also comes at a time when the second largest economy in the world is shrinking under challenges that include a long-term problem in the housing sector and a decrease in the population .

In the run-up to the three-day summit, African leaders announced many agreements related to cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals and energy .

For example, President William Ruto of Kenya announced plans to cooperate with China in the expansion of the railway between the capital Nairobi and Mombasa so that it can reach the border with Uganda and the highway in the west of the East African country .