Highly impressed

He hailed the central government for its unwavering belief in poverty reduction, adding that China is emerging as a real role model for Africa on this front and this is critically important for the continent.

Ziqubu said he is highly impressed by the targeted poverty alleviation efforts. "They recognize that no two cases (of poverty-stricken households) are the same, thus requiring officials to be dispatched to tailor-make solutions," he said.

He was also impressed by these comments from Xi: "Our experiences have proven that abject poverty is not formidable. As long as we pay great attention, think correctly, take effective measures and work in a down-to-earth way, abject poverty is absolutely conquerable."

Ziqubu said: "Though the situation is different politically and economically in Africa ... we have been able to see how China has gone about drastically reducing poverty..... The best part is that they are offering to help Africa do the same. I plan to apply my knowledge where my people view it as appropriate."