Introduction

　　As the Belt and Road cooperation evolves from an "extensive" model to an "intensive" one, strengthening knowledge cooperation plays an increasingly prominent role in improving the quality and effectiveness of projects. To advance China-Africa knowledge cooperation and enable the Belt and Road to play a greater role in the future, we can start from three key areas: first, deepen understanding of Africa; second, the private sector should assume broader responsibilities; third, strengthen partnerships with knowledge entities such as universities and research institutions.

　　Experience-based knowledge and information improve international relations by providing valuable data on trade, investment and economic trends, thereby helping policymakers make informed decisions. Such important knowledge and information also helps stakeholders promptly identify potential challenges that need to be addressed and determine areas where cooperation can be strengthened. It also encourages greater transparency in economic activities and fosters a more coordinated cooperation environment, thereby building trust among countries.

　　China's remarkable journey to becoming the world's second-largest economy, and the valuable experience behind it, are well worth drawing on fully in South-South cooperation. China's development trajectory of rapid industrialization, infrastructure construction and poverty reduction has set an example for African countries, enabling them to draw nourishment from China's experience in accordance with their own national conditions.

　　Information and knowledge have also enriched the connotation of the Belt and Road Initiative. Over the past decade, the BRI has gained the support of almost all African countries. The BRI is a cornerstone of China's foreign policy of participating in global development under the framework of South-South cooperation, aimed at strengthening connectivity among countries, promoting trade, advancing economic integration, and achieving mutual benefit and common prosperity.

　　In practice, Belt and Road cooperation has also grown through a process of learning. In my view, China is entering a new stage of transformational development. The BRI should also evolve from its initial "extensive" cooperation model to an "intensive" one, ensuring that every project achieves tangible results.

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　　Although the Belt and Road construction has made major progress, it still faces challenges such as geopolitical tensions, financial sustainability and environmental issues. However, these challenges also provide opportunities for reflection, adaptation and improvement. Knowledge-based cooperation among Global South countries can make this a reality.

　　Mutual benefit and common prosperity are important hallmarks of China-Africa cooperation. Each of us has a responsibility to turn this good idea into good results. Through the successful implementation of BRI projects, shared responsibility has been translated into joint action. The first decade of the BRI achieved many accomplishments and accumulated much experience worth drawing on; this decade of accumulated experience is where the development potential of the BRI lies. I believe that in the future, Belt and Road construction will open a new chapter, focusing more than ever on high-quality projects. In the new stage, project quality is the key factor for the success of the BRI and indeed of the entire concept of South-South cooperation.

　　By quality projects, I mean projects that conform to the ambitious goal of "common prosperity" in South-South cooperation. Under the framework of South-South cooperation, projects that embody the purpose of the BRI we call "quality projects." To improve the quality of the Belt and Road in the future, knowledge cooperation needs to be strengthened. To advance knowledge cooperation and enable the Belt and Road to play a greater role in the future, we can start from the following three key areas.

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　　First, deepen understanding of Africa. Many initiatives, projects and research efforts equate exchanges between China and Africa with exchanges between two countries. This is an old problem, and one that Africa also faces when dealing with many other parts of the world: Africa is not a single country but a continent composed of many independent countries with extremely diverse social, cultural and economic structures. If these differences are not handled distinctly in project design and implementation, project effectiveness will be greatly reduced. To achieve greater results in Belt and Road construction in Africa, we must further understand the specific conditions of each host country through strengthened knowledge cooperation. I believe this challenge is easier to address through the framework of South-South cooperation.

　　Second, the private sector should assume broader responsibilities. For Belt and Road construction to achieve comprehensive success, all parties need to share responsibility, including financiers, host countries, the private sector and other partners. Although the private sector is by nature profit-driven, in pursuing profit it also drives innovation and enhances competitiveness. In addition, it must support the implementation of a genuine partnership between China and Africa through various projects. The role of the private sector in South-South cooperation should go beyond profit and should promote sustainable returns and the continuous creation of new business opportunities.

　　Third, strengthen partnerships with knowledge entities. The quality of planning and implementation of a partnership depends on the level of information and knowledge it involves. For example, academic institutions such as the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University can provide knowledge about China's rapid economic growth and its limitations. Therefore, to improve the effectiveness of future Belt and Road cooperation, it is crucial to establish strong and in-depth project partnerships with knowledge entities such as universities, research institutes and think tanks.

　　The above three areas highlight the importance of strengthening knowledge cooperation for better advancing Belt and Road cooperation under the framework of South-South cooperation in the future.

Image source: China Daily