In Africa, China’s success in reducing poverty is believed to have inspired countries worldwide, as many African nations see China’s journey as a beacon for their own efforts to overcome poverty and drive sustainable development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping once hosted Comorian President Azali Assoumani in Beijing, and during their discussions, Xi highlighted a Chinese television series that has found fans in both China and Africa. This series, “Mining Town,” is called Shan Hai Qing in Chinese, translating to “Friendship Across the Mountains and the Sea,” a title that beautifully captures the spirit of unity and collaboration that has defined China’s fight against poverty.
Africa’s Fascination with China’s Poverty Alleviation Story
The popularity of Minning Town in Africa reflects the expanding cultural and developmental ties between China and African nations. For many in Africa, China’s experience resonates on a personal level. African countries, like China, grapple with poverty, and the shared struggle creates a bridge of understanding. China’s success inspires hope, offering practical insights and strategies that could be replicated across Africa.
The Story of “Mining Town”: A Tale of Resilience
Set in the 1990s, Mining Town draws on real-life experiences in Xihaigu, a remote and historically impoverished region in China’s Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The show follows the struggles and resilience of villagers from the barren mountains of Xihaigu who were relocated to a more fertile area near the Yellow River called Minning. This relocation was made possible with support from Fujian Province, a wealthier coastal region in eastern China. Through this story, the show illustrates China’s determination to alleviate poverty by pooling resources across regions and leveraging government support to help marginalized communities.
For China, this was more than just relocating people—it was about transforming lives. Over the years, China has lifted over 800 million people out of poverty, an achievement that has profoundly influenced its development model. China’s battle against poverty has taught it that poverty reduction is crucial not just for individual welfare but for a nation’s overall stability and growth.
One way China has directly supported Africa’s poverty alleviation efforts is through the sharing of Juncao technology. This innovative hybrid grass technology, originally developed in China, is a simple but powerful solution: it uses grass to cultivate edible mushrooms, which can provide both food and income. Additionally, the grass can serve as animal feed and helps prevent soil erosion, an issue that plagues many African farmlands. In Minning Town, the relocated villagers are shown using Juncao technology to start a mushroom industry, a small but impactful step towards economic self-sufficiency. This technology has already been introduced in several African countries, showing promising results in regions where fertile land is scarce and food insecurity remains a challenge.
Beyond Technology: China’s Multi-Faceted Support in Africa
China’s assistance to Africa extends well beyond agricultural technology. Through investments, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building programs, China supports African countries in developing infrastructure, industries, and skilled workforces—three essential components to breaking the poverty cycle. A critical channel for this support is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a global development strategy through which China has invested in building railways, highways, ports, and energy facilities across Africa. This infrastructure development not only connects African regions but also creates jobs, boosts economic growth, and positions African countries to better participate in the global economy.
The impact of China’s efforts can be seen in both large cities and rural villages across Africa. In addition to infrastructure, China has prioritized education and healthcare—two areas vital to human capital development. By funding schools, vocational training centers, and healthcare facilities, China helps to uplift communities from the ground up. Educated, healthy populations are better equipped to contribute to their economies and, ultimately, to rise out of poverty. The focus on health and education not only enhances quality of life but also ensures individuals have the tools and skills to thrive.
China-Africa Forum: Strengthening Commitments to Poverty Alleviation
China’s commitment to Africa’s growth was underscored in a recent keynote speech by Xi Jinping during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi emphasized that China is ready to partner with Africa on ten partnership action plans over the next three years, targeting key areas that can help lift communities out of poverty. These plans include efforts to enhance trade, foster industrial development, and advance agriculture—sectors that hold significant potential for job creation and economic growth.
The partnership plans also prioritize connectivity, green development, and healthcare improvements. For instance, investments in green technologies could help African nations access renewable energy, addressing both environmental and economic challenges. Likewise, by boosting healthcare systems, China supports African countries in building healthier, more resilient populations capable of contributing to a sustainable future. Through these comprehensive initiatives, China aims to create an environment where communities not only survive but thrive, fulfilling both immediate needs and long-term aspirations for modernization.
A Shared Vision for the Future
As China and Africa advance together, their friendship stands as a symbol of solidarity. The cooperation between the two is more than just financial—it’s a bond built on a shared understanding of the difficulties posed by poverty and a collective will to overcome it. China’s journey from extreme poverty to prosperity, achieved through determination and a focus on people-centered development, offers valuable insights for African nations charting their own paths.
The spirit of Minning Town, that “Friendship Across the Mountains and the Sea,” reflects a philosophy of mutual support and shared vision. For China and Africa, this vision means leveling the mountains of poverty and creating pathways to prosperity, side by side. While the journey may be challenging, both sides see a bright horizon of shared growth and development, where each milestone brings them closer to a future free of poverty and filled with opportunity.
