China paints picture of African partnership with gleaming public works Gifts of Chinese-built symbols of state from presidential palaces to sports stadiums are springing up across the continent ..... Observers say Beijing’s aim is to cement China’s role in Africa as an enduring partner and a major player in its development ......... A conference centre built and paid for by China is nearing completion in the Zambian capital Lusaka. ...... Developers of the Kenneth Kaunda International Conference Centre plan to hand it over to the government next month, in time for Lusaka to host the African heads of state summit later this year. ....... The China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group started work on the 4,000-capacity centre in 2020 and the project is 85 per cent complete, Zambia’s government clerk of works Tadalisika Zulu told the national broadcaster. .
