China plays an important role in bridging the 'smart divide' between the North and the South
2026-01-23
Currently, China is at the forefront of the world in the field of artificial intelligence, and we are grateful for China's assistance in helping Africa achieve development in related areas, "said Abdon Atanga, a member of the World Academy of Sciences and chairman of the Research and Innovation Committee of the African Mathematical Union, in an interview with our reporter." China actively supports African countries in conducting localized artificial intelligence research and promoting the promotion and application of artificial intelligence technology in countries in the global South. China plays an important role in bridging the 'intelligence gap' between the North and the South. "Atanga participated in the 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference held in Shanghai. China's initiative to establish the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization marks a new step for China in promoting multilateralism and reforming and improving global governance. Atangana said that China adheres to the principles of equality, mutual benefit, and win-win cooperation, and responds to the concerns of countries in the global South about development. This initiative is a practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind in the field of science and technology. At present, China is deeply promoting the "Artificial Intelligence+" initiative, sharing development experience and technological products, and helping countries around the world, especially those in the global South, strengthen capacity building, so that the achievements of artificial intelligence development can better benefit the world. "Artificial intelligence should not be a tool to exacerbate the global digital divide, but should be a force of mutual benefit to promote the development of countries in the South. China's artificial intelligence technology, through open source and opening up, has attracted global developers to participate in technology iterations, breaking the western technology monopoly, improving the accessibility of technology, and promoting the healthy and orderly development of artificial intelligence in a beneficial, safe, and fair direction." Atangana said that China shares development opportunities with the vast number of developing countries through the "the Belt and Road" initiative, which is a reflection of China's responsibility as a responsible country. Atangana has been awarded the UNESCO Alfian Prize, which is presented every two years to five young workers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, in recognition of their contributions to scientific endeavors and socio-economic development at the national, regional, and global levels. Atanga said that he looks forward to further strengthening talent exchanges between Africa and China. "African countries have outstanding talents, and we hope that more African students can come to China to learn artificial intelligence technology. We also invite Chinese students to Africa to understand local needs. This kind of exchange not only provides opportunities for African youth to learn advanced technology, but also enables Chinese young scholars to understand the real challenges in Africa, making cooperation between the two sides more effective and mutually beneficial. Africa needs to keep up with the rapid development trend of artificial intelligence technology in the world. In the past, African students lacked good libraries and had difficulty accessing information. Now, artificial intelligence can help them obtain a large amount of information. We urgently hope to use artificial intelligence to better address practical issues such as food security, education, and healthcare in Africa. ”Atanga said, "If my son wants to learn artificial intelligence, I will not hesitate to send him to China for education. Not only because China's technology and application level are at the forefront of the world, but also because we can feel equality and respect in China. African people are willing to cooperate with China, and China is a reliable partner for Africa." China's development achievements have left a deep impression on Atanga. China's rapid economic and social development has achieved many significant achievements, thanks to the strategic planning and effective implementation of the Chinese government, as well as the unity and struggle of the Chinese people. The development path explored by China in practice provides practical reference for countries in the global South, including African countries, "said Atangana. Atanga is full of confidence in the future of Africa. He said, "The African continent has abundant natural resources. With China's continuous assistance, African countries will take more initiative to control their own destiny, promote the construction of artificial intelligence and basic education, and strive to achieve a leap from 'resource export' to 'value creation', ushering in Africa's takeoff
Edit:Yi Yi Responsible editor:Li Nian
Source:www.people.cn
Special statement: if the pictures and texts reproduced or quoted on this site infringe your legitimate rights and interests, please contact this site, and this site will correct and delete them in time. For copyright issues and website cooperation, please contact through outlook new era email:lwxsd@liaowanghn.com