China strengthens ties with Chad, Senegal through key agreements

China has signed a series of agreements with Chad and Senegal, covering a range of projects from electricity and infrastructure to drinking water and communications technology. The development was announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, according to statements by the presidencies of both countries.

The world’s largest bilateral lender is hosting 50 African nations to reshape its relations with developing economies under President Xi Jinping’s new strategy of prioritizing “small and beautiful projects” over big infrastructure ventures.

According to the Chadian presidency, leading Chinese companies and institutions have signed six memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with the country, targeting energy, water, agriculture, infrastructure and defense sectors. These agreements include improving access to electricity and drinking water in N’Djamena, building an international airport and strengthening health and military capacities.

The Senegalese presidency said it had signed about a dozen agreements with China, focusing on information and communication technology, green development and media. In addition, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an unconditional donation of 27 billion CFA francs ($45.80 million) to Senegal.

(Based on information from the agency.)