The real and growing partnership between China and African countries will help significantly reduce poverty in Africa, said Kandeh K. Yumkella, director-general of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), prior to the 15th China International Fair for Investment and Trade.

Chinese capital, technology and market access, as well as Chinese expertise and skills, can play a leading role in improving the livelihoods of Africans by creating jobs, business opportunities and enhancing the competitiveness of African economies, Yumkella said during a recent interview with China Daily.

"The question we need to ask now is, how this partnership between the growth champions of the coming years can actually lead to rapid and material impact on the lives and well-being of the people."