African government officials and infrastructure and power project developers gathered in Beijing at the 3rd Africa Infrastructure and Power Forum from September 25-26 to meet Chinese investors and present opportunities across the continent.

"The forum really helps us reach potential customers, get the latest business information and establish connections," Hikmet Abdella, an entrepreneur from Ethiopia, told ChinAfrica.

As investors worldwide eye Africa's infrastructure and power sectors, China has taken the lead. More than 2,000 Chinese firms are operating on the continent with trade totaling over $200 billion.

Chinese investors seek to do business with a win-win approach. "When improving infrastructure, it is necessary to promote the development of the relevant industries," Sun Hao, a senior consultant with China Metallurgical Industry Planning and Research Institute, said at the forum.

Chnese investors are also paying greater attention to technology transfers when executing projects with African partners instead of merely investing in resources, as claimed by some critics, Sun said.

However, while doing business in Africa is potentially lucrative, participants at the forum warned of the fallouts of political instability and urged for the rule of law and strong regulations. "Political systems in African countries should be in position to ensure the continuity of law," said David Bleasdale, Executive Director of CITAC Africa, a UK-based consultancy on the downstream energy market.

The forum was hosted by EnergyNet Ltd. and sponsored by Standard Bank and China-Africa Development Fund.