"African countries prioritize industrialization over infrastructure, says China"

African countries are urging China to shift its focus from infrastructure development to local industrialization, according to Wu Peng, China's top Africa diplomat. This request comes in light of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the growing integration among African nations. Chinese lenders have provided significant loans to African countries in the past, particularly for infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative. However, loan commitments have decreased in recent years. Wu stated that discussions on urgent issues, including African industrialization, will take place during the BRICS summit, and Chinese investments in Africa are expected to increase, especially from small and medium-sized companies.