Across various African nations, the images on their currencies reflect each country's unique cultural heritage and developmental achievements. From rice paddies to hydroelectric plants, bridges to skyscrapers, the milestones of China-Africa cooperation are vividly portrayed on these banknotes, circulating as part of the everyday lives of the people.

The fragrance of rice bridging oceans

In 2022, JeanLouis Robinson, Madagascar's Ambassador to China, presented a special gift to the Longping Rice Museum in Changsha, Hunan—a set of Malagasy banknotes. What made these banknotes unique was the image of hybrid rice printed on the 20,000 Ariary note.

Rice is Madagascar's staple crop, covering more than half of the country's agricultural land. However, due to challenges like seed quality, farming techniques, and infrastructure, the country has remained dependent on imports.

Since 2007, Chinese experts have been working in Madagascar to promote suitable hybrid rice varieties, train agricultural technicians and farmers, and improve soil conditions.

By December 2022, hybrid rice cultivation in Madagascar had expanded to 75,000 hectares, with an average yield of about 7.5 tons per hectare, significantly advancing the country towards self-sufficiency in food production.

"Cultivating hybrid rice has become a crucial pathway for African countries, including Madagascar, to break free from poverty and achieve food security," said Rakotoson Philibert, former SecretaryGeneral of the Ministry of Agriculture of Madagascar.

The impressive speed and grandeur of China

On the 200 Kwacha note of Malawi in southeastern Africa, the imposing Malawi Parliament Building stands proudly. Constructed as one of the five major projects initiated after Malawi established diplomatic relations with China in 2007, this 26,000-square-meter building was completed in just 15 months.

This landmark in Lilongwe, the capital of Malawi, symbolizes the transformative impact of China-Malawi cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, and public welfare, greatly enhancing the urban landscape and the quality of life for the local population.

A robust partnership in the "Five Major Projects"

The Kinsuka Bridge (Pombage Bridge), built by a Chinese company, is featured on a commemorative coin issued by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to mark the country's 50th anniversary of independence. The bridge is acclaimed as a representative of the "Five Major Projects" encompassing infrastructure, healthcare, education, hydropower, and housing, all prioritized by the Congolese government. This coin serves as a testament to the robust partnership between China and the DRC.

Constructed by China Railway No. 8 Engineering Group, the Kinsuka Bridge is a key component of the Pombage Road rehabilitation project. As a vital route connecting Kinshasa's urban center with its suburbs, the Pombage Road rehabilitation project has significantly alleviated traffic congestion in the area and strengthened economic ties between the city and its outskirts.

The project introduced new construction techniques, setting a benchmark for future bridge-building in the DRC. In June 2017, the Kinsuka Bridge project was awarded the "National Excellence Award for Scientific and Technological Progress" by the Congolese government.

Hydropower project illuminates thousands of homes

The Kaleta Hydropower Station, built by China Three Gorges Corporation, stands as a symbol of achievement in Guinea. With a total investment of 446 million dollars and an installed capacity of 240 megawatts, construction began in 2012, and by 2015, the plant was connected to the grid. This station has significantly alleviated the power shortages in Conakry, the capital, and surrounding areas, spurring economic growth and bringing tangible benefits to the local population. In gratitude, the Central Bank of Guinea featured the Kaleta Hydropower Station on the country's largest denomination, the 20,000 Guinean Franc note.

These banknotes not only showcase the rich cultural landscapes of various nations but also stand as enduring symbols of the fruitful outcomes of China-Africa cooperation. They represent not just Chinese manufacturing prowess, but also the solid friendship between China and Africa.

非洲货币上的中非合作成果

在非洲多国，货币上的图案展现了一个国家的历史文化特色和社会发展成就。从水稻到水电站，从大桥到大楼，多项中非合作标志性成果被印在这些非洲国家的货币上，流通在当地民众的日常生活中。

稻花香飘 跨越大洋

2022年，马达加斯加驻华大使让·路易·罗班松向湖南长沙隆平水稻博物馆赠送了一份特别礼物——一套马达加斯加的纸币。之所以特别，是因为在面值2万阿里亚里的纸币上，印有一幅杂交水稻的图案。

水稻是马达加斯加的主要农作物，占该国农业种植面积一半以上。但受制于种子质量、种植技术、基础设施等多种因素，仍需依赖进口。

为帮助马达加斯加实现粮食自给自足，从2007年开始，中国专家扎根当地，推广适应的杂交水稻品种、培训农业技术人员和水稻种植户、帮助改善土质结构。

到2022年12月，中国杂交水稻在马达加斯加累计推广面积7.5万公顷，平均每公顷产量可达约7.5吨，帮助当地向实现粮食自给自足的目标迈了一大步。

“种植杂交水稻已成为包括马达加斯加在内的非洲国家摆脱贫困、走向粮食自给自足的重要途径。”马达加斯加农业部原秘书长拉库托松·菲利贝尔说。

中国速度 气派宏伟

非洲东南部马拉维共和国面值200克瓦查纸币上，印着气派宏伟的马拉维议会大厦。2007年，马拉维与中国正式建交。由中国援建的议会大厦是中马建交五大项目之一，总建筑面积2.6万平方米，从开工到落成，用时仅15个月。

该项目已经成为马拉维首都利隆圭地标性建筑。多年来，中马在基础设施、农业、民生等诸多领域的合作极大改善了当地城市面貌和人民生活。

“五大工程” 硬核“联名”

由中企承建的金苏卡大桥（卢当德里桥）被刚果（金）政府列为涵盖基建、医疗、教育、水电和住房在内的重点工程“五大工程”代表，印制在刚果（金）国家独立50周年纪念币上。这张印着金苏卡大桥的纪念币，是中国与刚果（金）友谊的硬核“联名”。

金苏卡大桥是中铁八局承建的卢当德里路改造工程关键环节。作为连接首都金沙萨市区和郊区的重要路线，卢当德里路改造工程实施后，大大缓解了该地交通拥堵状况，加强了市郊经济联系。

施工时，桥梁采用的特殊施工工艺保证了施工质量和进度，为刚果（金）桥梁建设积累了新经验，填补了当地桥梁施工技术的空白。2017年6月，金苏卡大桥工程被刚果（金）政府授予“国家新技术科学技术进步卓越奖”的殊荣。

水电项目 照亮万家

由中国三峡集团承建的凯乐塔水电站是几内亚标志性工程，总投资额4.46亿美元，总装机容量达240兆瓦，2012年开工，2015年正式并网发电。电站极大缓解了首都科纳克里及周边地区电力短缺问题，促进经济发展，为当地民众带去实实在在的好处。几内亚央行为向中方表达谢意，将凯乐塔水电站图案印在了该国面值最大的2万几内亚法郎上。

一张张钱币，展示各国不同的文化风情；一个个利民项目，见证中非合作的丰硕成果。这是中国制造的亮丽名片，更是中非友谊的坚实见证。

来源丨新华社
英文海报丨黎杰文
翻译丨赵凡
英文审校丨林佳岱