Africa must wait and see on Li Keqiang's ambitious promises, analysts say

During his week-long visit to Africa, Premier Li Keqiang secured economic and trade deals while simultaneously trying to persuade his hosts China had learned from mistakes on how to engage with the continent.

Brushing aside criticism about China's motives for its growing presence in Africa, Li announced a series of initiatives during stops in Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Kenya that Beijing hoped would convince Africans that Chinese involvement would help their communities.

Observers said the latest moves indicated China was keen to boost its image in the continent, although the effectiveness of the strategy remained to be seen.

Throughout his trip, Li admitted there were still "growing pains" in Sino-African ties. But some Africans and other observers question whether the billions of dollars in aid and loans mask an intention to control the continent's resources, such as oil, precious metals and cocoa, and effectively colonise it.

Investment by Chinese companies in Africa was not a "zero sum" game, Xinhua quoted Li as saying during a meeting with the Chinese community in Angola, where he asked them to recruit local workers.

"It should create mutual benefit," Li said. "The livelihood of our people, and that of the local people here, should be combined."