China's rapid transformation inspires global lessons

When I left China in 2019 after completing my master's degree at China Agricultural University (CAU), the country was embarking on an ambitious new chapter: it had launched a comprehensive strategy to eradicate poverty, modernize urban and rural areas, and advance technological development.

At the time, these goals seemed bold — even audacious. Yet when I returned in 2024 for my PhD studies at CAU, I was amazed by the transformation that had taken place in just five years.

In 2020, China had officially eradicated extreme poverty, lifting nearly 100 million people out of hardship — an achievement I soon saw reflected on the ground. During a five-day field study in Jiangxi province last December, I visited villages revitalized through local initiatives under the "one village, one product" strategy.

In Shantian village, for example, vast rapeseed fields created not only beautiful landscapes but also sustainable income for local farmers. In Bailu town, the Navel Orange Base exemplified how specialization and strong branding can transform livelihoods. And in Ziwei town, agriculture and tourism merged seamlessly as visitors enjoyed the countryside while supporting homegrown businesses.

What impressed me most was how development and cultural heritage went hand in hand. Sites like Hakka Culture City and Egret Ancient Village in Ganzhou showed that preserving local identity fosters pride and social cohesion.

Jiangxi's success is a living example of how China's poverty alleviation efforts were not just about increasing income — they were about expanding opportunity, promoting sustainability, and ensuring that people could live with dignity and retain a meaningful connection to their heritage.

By contrast, countries such as Ethiopia — where over 10 million people still live below the poverty line — continue to face significant challenges. China's experience offers a vital lesson: poverty eradication requires targeted policies, long-term planning, and people-centered governance.

Another striking change I noticed upon returning to China in 2024 was how completely digital everyday life had become. Back in 2019, I occasionally used mobile payments, but cash was still common. Today, carrying cash feels almost unnecessary.

I learned this the hard way when I went to a restaurant soon after arriving. I sat down, ready to order, only to discover that everything — from viewing the menu to making payment — was done through a QR code on the table. My phone was dead, and without it, I couldn't even order food. I had no cash on me either — a small inconvenience that taught me a big lesson about just how deeply digitalization has reshaped life here. Since that day, I have never left home without a power bank.

Now, a single smartphone connects me to almost every service I need. When I crave a meal from across town, I order it on Meituan, which delivers it right to my door. I buy daily essentials from Taobao or JD.com, and I pay utility bills and transportation fares with Alipay or WeChat Pay. Life has become more efficient, more connected, and smarter — all thanks to China's forward-thinking digital ecosystem.

China's modernization is also reflected in its global cooperation and diplomacy. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, BRICS+, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, China promotes partnerships based on equality and mutual respect.

Ethiopia is a proud participant in these frameworks, benefiting from Chinese investment in manufacturing, infrastructure, and education. A vivid example is Telebirr — Ethiopia's e-payment system developed in collaboration with Chinese partners — which showcases the power of South-South cooperation to foster inclusive digital growth. When technology is designed to serve people, it becomes a true driver of progress.

As a beneficiary of the China-Ethiopia educational partnership myself, I see my academic journey as part of this enduring bridge of friendship. I aspire to serve as an ambassador of goodwill — sharing China's development experiences and promoting closer ties between our two nations.

For countries like Ethiopia, the message is clear: development is not a distant dream but a reality achievable through vision, leadership, and partnership. China's story reminds us that transformation begins when a nation dares to imagine a better future — and then works tirelessly to make it a reality.

Written by Lemi Chala Tamire, an Ethiopian PhD candidate in development studies at China Agricultural University. He also serves as a lecturer and researcher at Haramaya University, Ethiopia. He earned his master's degree in rural development and management studies at CAU from 2017 to 2019.