There's been a dramatic increase in China's investment in Ethiopia. By some estimates, it's more than doubled in the past five years to more than two billion dollars. Officials in Addis Ababa say that's helping fuel the country's growth.
Made in Africa and made for Africa. It’s been five years since Chinese phone maker Tecno Group set up in Addis, a move that’s created at least 500 local jobs - and lifted the skillset of the young workforce.
"This opportunity may be good for Ethiopian people and also for technological development. This creates a big deal in technological development sections." Yared Legesse, employee from Tecno Mobile, said.
Tecno is building a third factory in Addis - convinced that Ethiopia is the right springboard from which to dominate the African cellphone market.
It’s just one example of the growing influence of China on Ethiopia’s economy. Ties between the two countries go back decades. But their business relations have taken off in recent years.
It’s reflected in a variety of infrastructure projects，among them this light railway in the capital, Addis Ababa. Ethiopia wants such projects will help transform its agrarian economy.
"This fast growth that we are showing to the world and to our public though broadly its based on the involvement and the participation of the masses,there still is a lubricant which has an auxiliary supporting function that is assistance that is coming from the Chinese and also and other international friends." Ethiopian Communication Affairs Minister Redwan Hussien said.
The country still faces major challenges. Unemployment remains a big constraint. The government is convinced the partnership with China is the way forward.
"Ethiopia and China should pull together to synchronise their respective competences so that they would move forward." Hussien said.
For many, the Tecno story shows what can be achieved.