Africa Report

The Ethiopian Airlines unveiled its plan to commence new flights to Hangzhou, one of the most renowned and prosperous cities in China, effective May 1, 2011. With the opening of the fourth destination in China, Ethiopian Airlines will expand dependable passenger and cargo handling services to traders, business people and tourists between China and Africa.

Hope Project

Tanzania

Construction has begun on a primary school in Tanzania with the aid of China's Hope Project, an educational charity program that has benefited millions of poverty-stricken Chinese children. By the end of last year, Chinese entrepreneurs had donated 33 million yuan ($5 million) for the Project to enter Africa. This project will help build primary schools in six African countries - Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Burundi.

HOPEFUL: African children get help from Hope Project (XU SUHUI)

Safe Vaccine

China

The latest World Health Organization (WHO) assessment shows China is complying with international standards for vaccine regulation. China is the 36th vaccine producing country that has had its regulatory system assessed as qualified by the WHO. With a regulatory system for vaccines documented to comply with international standards, vaccine manufacturers in China are eligible to apply to the WHO for prequalification of vaccines. This could eventually open the door for vaccines produced in China to be supplied through UN agencies to developing countries, according to a statement on the WHO website.

Respect Libyan Sovereignty

China

China's Foreign Ministry expressed regret over the multinational military strike against Libya, saying that it did not agree with resorting to force in international relations. Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that China, as it has always done, disagrees with the use of force in international relations. China believes that the tenet and principles of the United Nations Charter and relevant international laws should be adhered to, and Libya's sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity should be respected.

Safe Vaccine (GUO XULEI)

Hi-tech Experience

Kenya

Listed Internet Service Provider (ISP) AccessKenya launched its first retail store in Nairobi this March, in its bid to provide customers with an alternative means of accessing its services. This makes it the first ISP to venture into retail stores and bring a hi-tech experiential "Internet and IT world" closer to the customer. The retail store is one of the new initiatives being introduced by AccessKenya to reach its customers more easily.

Sound Relations

Africa

China-Africa relations remain sound despite the recent turmoil in North Africa, said Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi on the sidelines of the annual meeting of the National People's Congress. According to Yang, China has very sound relations of cooperation with African countries and the African Union. Despite some uncertain and destabilizing factors in certain areas of Africa, the overall situation on the continent is peaceful.

Constitutional Changes Approved

Egypt

About 77.2 percent of Egyptians approved the constitutional amendments in a referendum that set the scene for free and fair parliamentary and presidential elections within six months. According to Egypt's High Judicial Commission, the turnout in the referendum was 41 percent of the total eligible voters in Egypt. Among other changes, the presidential term will be shortened to four years from six years, and there will be a two-term cap on the president.

Numbers:

7 percent

The annual GDP growth target for China's 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-15)

35,000 +

The evacuation of Chinese nationals from Libya

5,512

The landmines destroyed in Angola in 2010

200,000+

The new jobs that solar power industry could create in South Africa by 2020

Africa Report