A loan agreement has been signed for the second phase of a rural well-drilling project in Senegal.
The project, undertaken by China Geo-Engineering Corporation Overseas Construction Group, a subsidiary of China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec)’s Star Petroleum Company, is the third of its nature in Senegal. Once completed, the wells will benefit more than one million people.
Over the years, Sinopec has been actively involved in 33 projects across 12 African countries, including oil and gas investments, petroleum engineering and refining services. These efforts have played a significant role in fostering a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
Raising standards of living
While collaborating with African partners in energy projects, Sinopec has provided infrastructure services, including the construction of roads, bridges and community facilities. These efforts have significantly enhanced local people’s wellbeing and their standards of living.
In Kenya, Sinopec companies have completed essential road projects, including municipal roads in Nairobi, rural roads and the Thika Superhighway, totaling 546 kilometers. These projects have made it easier for products to reach the local market and opened new pathways for development.
In the past 40 years, Sinopec has delivered 283 connectivity projects, 68 urban water supply systems and 36 living environment improvement projects across Africa. These endeavors have become symbols of China-Africa friendship and cooperation.
In Egypt, Sinopec, in partnership with the Apache Corporation, has supported female education through the construction of over 200 schools, benefiting 15,000 students and providing training for over 600 teachers. This initiative exemplifies Sinopec’s commitment to educational empowerment.
Safeguarding the environment with green development
At a project site in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda, Sinopec Petroleum Engineering Zhongyuan Co., Ltd modified its drilling rigs, vehicles and staff uniforms to blend with the natural environment, thus minimizing ecological impact. This initiative underscores Sinopec’s dedication to protecting biodiversity in one of Africa’s most pristine environments.
In Angola, Sinopec employees have planted over 2,000 mangrove seedlings on local beaches to contribute to coastal preservation. In Egypt, Sinopec introduced advanced photovoltaic technology to oilfields, replacing diesel-powered generators, and becoming a model for energy conservation and emission reduction.
Fostering cultural exchange and friendship
Sinopec has long respected and promoted cultural diversity, actively facilitating cross-cultural exchanges and understanding. With over 3,000 employees in Africa, including more than 2,400 local workers, Sinopec’s commitment to localization is reflected in its employee training programs and cultural exchange initiatives.
Since 2011, Sinopec’s oil exploration subsidiary in Cameroon has implemented a youth talent development program, offering internship opportunities to students from local universities and communities. This initiative has allowed many African youths to learn about and enter the oil sector. Additionally, Sinopec has provided targeted training for Ugandan employees, working closely with Makerere University on employment, internships and technical exchanges, helping more Ugandan students gain an understanding of Sinopec and the broader energy industry.
In Algeria and Egypt, Sinopec has established “Silk Road Book Corners” at universities and work sites, offering literature on China’s economy, history, culture and technology, providing local communities with a window into the country’s progress and development.
These initiatives have further deepened the bonds of friendship between China and Africa, creating lasting memories and strengthening ties.
(Executive editor: Zhu Zeya)
