Cooperation between China and countries around Lake Victoria has been gaining momentum, with a growing focus on eco-friendly modernization.

Shared ecological challenges and complementary strengths are shaping a new model of collaboration between China's Poyang Lake and Africa's Lake Victoria Basin.

Through the sharing of experience in lake management and a series of "small and beautiful" projects, this cooperation is helping improve local livelihoods, promote sustainable agriculture and enhance environmental protection.

Ali-Said Matano, Blue Economy Advisor for the Kenya Devolution Program and the County Government of Kisumu, and Zhang Yanru, Associate Professor at the Institute of African Studies at Zhejiang Normal University share their views.

Shared challenges, shared solutions

Ali-Said Matano highlighted the urgency behind this partnership. Both Lake Victoria and Poyang Lake face mounting ecological pressures, from fluctuating water levels to biodiversity loss.

"One of the reasons which prompted this collaboration has to do with the shared ecological pressure that these two lakes are facing," he noted.

He emphasized that Lake Victoria is not just a natural resource, but "the economic, ecological, and social backbone of the East African region," supporting water supply, fisheries, transport, and climate regulation for millions.

However, these benefits are under threat. According to Matano:

"About 90% of those challenges are actually human driven."

This makes sustainable intervention not just desirable, but essential.

Poyang Lake's experience

Drawing on decades of ecological governance, China's experience with Poyang Lake offers practical models for balancing development with conservation.

Zhang Yanru outlined a range of strategies already being adapted in Africa, which include integrated watershed management, agroforestry and eco-agriculture systems, pest control through ecological methods and clean energy solutions like biogas and solar.

"Chinese experts shared these successful strategies and adapted them to suit the specific condition of the Lake Victoria Basin," she explained.

These efforts are already visible on the ground, from sustainable farming trials to community-level clean energy adoption.

Small and beautiful projects

A key feature of this cooperation is its focus on "small and beautiful" projects, community-driven initiatives with tangible benefits.

In Kenya's Homa Bay, for example, local farmers are being trained in organic agriculture, while eco-friendly technologies are improving sanitation and water access.

One notable example is the introduction of energy-efficient clay stoves:

"The stove increases fuel efficiency by up to 50% and reduces firewood consumption," said Zhang Yanru, noting its impact on both forest conservation and household livelihoods.

Unlocking the blue economy

At the heart of this collaboration is the concept of the blue economy, leveraging water resources for sustainable economic growth.

Ali-Said Matano stressed its transformative potential:

"Eco-friendly modernization is strategically critical for unlocking sustainable regional development across East Africa."

Through China-Africa cooperation frameworks, countries in the Lake Victoria Basin are gaining access to advanced water management technologies, capacity building and training, and scalable models for green development

Matano said:

"This collaboration is not just desirable. It is strategically critical."