China's model for sustainable investment in Africa

China has rapidly become one of the world's biggest overseas investors, buying assets in developed markets and investing in infrastructure development in some of the world's fastest growing economies. This is particularly the case in sub-Saharan Africa, which boasts six of the 10 fastest-growing economies in the world.

As a relative newcomer to the African scene, China has an opportunity to go beyond capital investment and make a positive, meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary Africans.

China appears to understand this responsibility - it has been building strong diplomatic ties with sub-Saharan African countries for more than a decade. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation facilitates trade, political and cultural ties between China and 48 African countries. So far, forum meetings have enabled commitments in human development, technical assistance, infrastructure building and information sharing, and increased trade and credit lines.

Recent Chinese aid to Africa has included four rounds of humanitarian aid, with a combined value of more than US$120 million, in the fight against the Ebola epidemic. China is also actively involved in promoting enterprise in Africa, recently opening the third Africa-China Young Leaders Forum in Tanzania, attracting 400 delegates from 40 African nations to promote youth exchange between China and African countries.

Supporting young business leaders is perhaps one of the most important socio-economic goals across the continent, considering that human development is central to economic diversification, poverty alleviation and sustainable growth. It is here that China can leave a lasting legacy - and is already doing so. China's work in Kenya is a good example.

Last month, Chinese and Kenyan investors launched a technology transfer and training centre to promote assembly of solar lighting systems in order to meet the growing demand for solar energy in the country. This is much more than an investment for China.