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Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, has more than three years of financial, business, and technology research expertise, providing insights into Kenyan and global trends.
African heads of state, including Kenya's President William Ruto, travelled to China for the three-day Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, which began on Wednesday, September 4.
China's presence and influence have grown significantly in the 21st century, as evidenced by China-funded mega-projects built in various countries.
The significance of the China-funded projects in various countries has gained prominence, even appearing on various banknotes and coins.
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In a thread posted on X, Beijing Daily hailed these projects featured in African currencies as a testament to the good relationship between China and the continent.
The Malawi Bank notes have the scenery of the Malawi University of Science and Technology.
The Malawi University of Science and Technology was established on 17th December 2012 by the Malawi University of Science and Technology Act No. 31 of 2012.
The university was funded by the Chinese government.
The 200-kwacha banknote of the Republic of Malawi features the impressive Malawi Parliament Building, funded by China, one of the five major projects that Malawi has undertaken since it established diplomatic relations with China.
The 500 franc banknotes in the Democratic Republic of Congo bear a scene of the Kinsuka Bridge Built by China.
Another China-funded project, the Kinsuka Bridge, was featured on a commemorative coin in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The bridge is one of the Congolese government's "Five Major Projects," which cover essential areas such as infrastructure, medical care, education, hydropower, and housing.
In Guinea, the Kaleta Hydropower Station, a landmark project constructed by the China Three Gorges Corporation, is prominently featured on the nation's currency.
The Great Mosque of Algeria, also known as the Djamaa El-Djazair, featured on their currency, was built by a Chinese construction company in the 2010s. The mosque is the third largest in the world and the largest in Africa.
The Moi International Sports Centre, popularly known as Kasarani Stadium, which was featured in the old KSh 20 note, was constructed in 1987 by the Kenyan government in partnership with the Chinese government.
In 2010 China offered Kenya another grant for the refurbishment of the stadium.
Kenya has, however, redesigned its currency, and the KSh 20 banknote is not in circulation.
Kenya has significantly benefited from the relationship with China with mega infrastructural projects such as the Standard Gauge Railway and the Nairobi Expressway.
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that the Chinese Loan to Africa (CLA) Database 2021 brief indicated that Kenya last received funding from Beijing in 2019.
China reduced its funding to African countries, including Kenya, in the period starting 2019, 30% down from the 2018 disbursement.
President William Ruto's visit to China is expected to unlock funding for major infrastructure projects.
After his arrival on Monday, Ruto met with President Xi Jinping and other Chinese officials on Tuesday, September 3.
Ruto hinted that China would fund the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba dual carriage and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Western Kenya.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke
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China-funded projects in African currencies.
Malawi University of Science and Technology.
The Kinsuka Bridge built by China.