Through the continuous efforts over the years, both China and Africa have gained more opportunities and linkages in mutual learning between civilizations.

The value of the bilateral partnership is articulated under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2019-21), which includes a mutual commitment to cooperation in exchanging views and perspectives on issues of political, economic and social security values, as well as on education, scientific research, training and skills development. These are important fields for realizing the African Union's vision of an integrated, peaceful and prosperous Africa.

As stated in the AU's Agenda 2063, the vision of the AU is focused on and driven by people. The Agenda lists seven aspirations of the African people. Specifically, these aspirations call for people-driven development, which can be achieved through high quality education and training that is inclusive and transformative. The Agenda, therefore, pays high attention to an education and skills revolution anchored in science, technology, research and innovation to build transformative knowledge that embraces the African values for responsible citizenship and sustainable development. Also, Africa's Agenda 2063 takes efforts to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals.

The population of young people under 35 years old is the largest population group in Africa, accounting for over 60 percent of the total. Promoting their skills and knowledge would contribute to global wealth. Thus, young people in Africa must be appropriately empowered with relevant skills, values and the necessary mindset to drive Africa's social and economic development, and to contribute to the world's economic growth.

In line with this, the AU Commission Chairman Moussa Faki has announced a new strategy that will cover at least 1 million youth by 2021. The strategy is based on four aspects: education, entrepreneurship, employment and engagement.

Therefore, the African Union Commission expects to work with African and international partners to improve the education and training in various areas such as teacher development, technical and vocational education and training and scientific research.

At the same time, enterprises in African are encouraged to contribute to education. In other words, companies can help with the financing and strengthen the links between training institutions and industry to develop people's entrepreneurship skills.

Linking with industry, the young people in education and training institutions can easily gain the skills employers seek, especially in fields such as agriculture, mining as well as the internet and communication technology. This will also give youth more access to speak out and have their voices heard in policy development and implementation through dialogues with different generations.

The strategic partnership with China is a very important part of the AU's framework for achieving its vision, because we can learn from each other and strengthen mutually beneficial collaboration. Meanwhile, both sides can utilize the existing knowledge and technologies in addressing common global challenges.

Both sides could build up the knowledge and technological base so that Africa will become an even better partner in scientific research and development. In Africa, it is widely known that one can move very quickly when alone, but can go much further through partnerships. Chinese experience and best practices can help Africa achieve the aspirations of Agenda 2063.

In order to implement the Agenda 2063, the AU therefore has a range of strategic frameworks in different sectors, such as the agricultural development; infrastructure development; peace and security; trade and industry. The AU has taken actions including establishing the continental free trade area; and measures to control and eradicate diseases, as well as empowering youth and women. Furthermore, the framework covers education, technical skills development, science, technology and innovation as well.

In terms of the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA 2024), it identifies six priority focus areas for scientific research and innovation, including addressing hunger and food insecurity through enhanced agriculture and biotechnology. Health management and disease control is another key area, which has led to the establishment of the AU Centre for Disease Control. A Continental Space Policy and Strategy to build Africa's capabilities in Earth Observation and Satellite Communication among other things has also been adopted, as these can improve the management of resources, environmental management and early warning systems. In other words, space technologies such as Pan African University Institute for Space Sciences provides unique opportunities to address socioeconomic development issues.

The Continental Education Strategy for Africa 2016 to 2025 (CESA 16-25) covers the full spectrum of education and training from early childhood to university, with 12 strategic objectives to ensure that education will contribute to achieving the AU Agenda.

These objectives include increasing the number of teachers and improving the quality and professionalism of the teachers.

Besides, the strategy also calls for ensuring gender equality, strengthening the importance of internet, communication and technology in education as well as promoting indigenous knowledge systems and African values.

The AU has taking steps to achieve these goals. For instance, it has established the Pan African University, with different themes in the five regions. The university is designed to develop, nurture and exemplify practical research. It promotes innovation and industrialization and executes the African Quality Rating Mechanism to ensure the education quality.

The AU also promotes science through scientific research grants and awards to encourage African scientists for the academic collaboration among different nations in Africa and abroad. Hence, the AU is proactive in cooperating with Chinese research institutions for mutual benefits.

Generally, African countries are on the way to promoting the continent's development. As developing nations, the people-to-people cooperation and exchanges between China and Africa are beneficial for both sides and significant for win-win relations.

The author is the commissioner for Human Resources, Science and Technology at African Union Commission.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

All rights reserved. Copying or sharing of any content for other than personal use is prohibited without prior written permission.