Cooperation between China and Africa is still in its early stages but the benefits are already being felt, according to the head of an economic-policy think tank based in Kenya. "Infrastructure is a key component to the growth of any economy and the lack thereof has severely impeded the continent's growth," said Robert Kagiri, director of the Africa Policy Institute's center for strategic policy management.

"I believe that China's partnership, in terms of financial and technical assistance, is behind the economic progress we are witnessing at the moment."

Building infrastructure, such as roads, brings immediate benefits to rural economies by enabling farmers to more easily access markets and attracting investment, Kagiri said.