Africa is interested in partnership with those who "mean well" and want the continent to achieve sustainability and prosperity, to move on the path of technological and economic development, said Chanda Katotobwe, Member of the National Assembly of Zambia, in an interview with Sputnik Africa, adding that this kind of cooperation is offered by Russia.
"We [Africans] need genuine, you know, partnership with people who mean well, who can help you to make technological advancement and reach a stage where you can make great and be sustainable on your own," he said.
In particular, he emphasized that Zambia and Africa in general need technological assistance from big economies such as Russia, which can help the continent advance technologically and thus fuel industrialization. He explained that the main quest for Africa and his country is to create conditions for "sustainable technological boom" and to industrialize.
"Africa needs help to reach sustainable technological sovereignty [...]. Africa must be assisted with a genuine partnership, which is what Russia is offering, which we as Africans appreciate," Katotobwe stated.
He further elaborated that Africans want a continent that can "successfully migrate from being impoverished to leading normal lives," as other countries in Western or Northern Europe managed to do.
The politician also touched upon the topic of the increasing role of the BRICS group on the international arena. He noted that BRICS is "growing into the largest economic bloc in the world." According to Katotobwe, the economic partnership that BRICS offers can help smaller economies, like those in Africa, "to start developing at the same rate as the big countries."
"I would reckon it's a matter of time before Zambia can try to join BRICS, because we are all looking for economic emancipation, development of our countries and ultimately sustainable economic growth," the MP said.
Speaking about his impressions from the summit, he noted that he is "very happy" to see everything that is on display at the event, with a particular focus on economic and humanitarian spheres. He also noted that the speech of Russian President Vladimir Putin at the plenary session was "very inspirational."
The second Russia-Africa Summit is being held in St. Petersburg, the country's "cultural capital", on July 27-28. The event aims to set the course for further cooperation between Russia and the continent in various fields, ranging from economy and trade to science and culture.