Sudan signs nuclear, infrastructure deals with Chinese firms at Beijing summit
September 4, 2024 (BEIJING) – Sudan signed deals with Chinese companies on Wednesday for nuclear power, port and airport projects, its ruling council said, as the African nation seeks investment to boost its ailing economy.
The agreements were announced on the sidelines of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, where Sudanese leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Sudan’s Energy and Mining Group, part of the country’s defence industry complex, inked the deals with China Energy Engineering Group, a state-owned firm specializing in energy and infrastructure projects.
The agreements aim to support Sudan’s goals of developing peaceful nuclear energy, upgrading seaports, and modernising airports, the council’s statement said. Specific details of the projects, including timelines and financial terms, were not disclosed.
Al-Burhan, also, witnessed the signing of a significant agreement between the state-owned Giad Engineering Group and three prominent Chinese companies: Dongfeng Motors, Dongfeng Automobile, and Zhenghou Annaide. This partnership focuses on the manufacturing of electric cars, trucks, and various types of machinery.
Sudan has been grappling with an economic crisis since the 2021 military coup that ousted longtime ruler Omer al-Bashir. The conflict in neighbouring Ethiopia and internal unrest have further hampered development efforts.
China has emerged as a major investor in Africa in recent years, financing infrastructure projects and providing loans to governments across the continent. Beijing has sought to portray itself as a partner in Africa’s development, while critics have raised concerns about debt traps and resource exploitation.
The China-Africa summit, held every three years, has been a key platform for Beijing to showcase its engagement with Africa and deepen ties with the continent.