Calling China’s progress in poverty alleviation a “huge milestone,” Lesotho’s ambassador to China Kenneth Sentle Rabale praised its significant achievements in poverty reduction over the past decades and highlighted the valuable lessons these efforts hold for African nations. The ambassador shared his insights on China’s approach and its potential applicability in an interview with ChinAfrica during the 2025 International Forum on Poverty Governance and Global Development held on 29 March in Lushui City, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. 

Rabale noted China’s success in integrating diverse ethnic groups into the development process. “I see China actually reaching out to the villages, communities, smaller communities of different ethnic groups... and really bringing them on board in terms of designing their developmental goals,” he said, adding that this inclusive approach contains a valuable lesson for African countries, which are also home to diverse ethnic groups. 

Seeing poverty as a “global challenge” that must be fought “in all its forms,” the ambassador highlighted key elements of China’s strategy. He pointed to the effective use of technology, which has played a “major role” in driving development across sectors like agriculture, tourism, and industrialisation. He also noted the importance of government commitment, proper budget allocation, and effective planning and monitoring.  

Rabale affirmed the relevance of China’s specific strategies like industrial development, infrastructure building, and targeted poverty alleviation for Africa. He supported China’s “multi-pronged approach,” comparing the fight against poverty to fighting a war, requiring the use of all available resources. “China [is] doing industrialisation at the same time they are doing technological advancement, they are also targeting specific areas and putting a lot of resources to really help the communities to develop,” he observed, adding that this was done while respecting local ethnic and cultural values.  

The ambassador acknowledged Africa faces numerous challenges, including climate change and sometimes a disconnect between central government plans and community needs. However, he believes adopting strategies like China’s targeted approach, which focuses on developing existing local strengths and “characteristic industries” - such as enhancing skills people already possess rather than imposing entirely new ventures - could be beneficial. He stressed the importance of participatory approaches where “communities take part in this whole thing” to ensure development addresses their needs.  

Looking ahead, Rabale identified technology and infrastructure as key areas for cooperation between China and Africa. “What we can copy or borrow from China is the technological advancement they have,” he said, noting that Africa needs modern technology and the associated technical know-how to accelerate development. He also pointed to infrastructure deficits, particularly in energy, as areas where cooperation could significantly aid Africa’s industrialisation efforts.  

“Commitment, dedication, accountability, responsiveness to challenges, and the ability to work together to alleviate poverty in all its forms,” the ambassador listed the lessons learned from the forum and China’s experience.