WOW: China pledges $60bn to develop Africa

China has announced $60bn (£40bn) of assistance and loans for Africa to help with the development of the continent.

President Xi Jinping said the package would include zero-interest loans as well as scholarships and training for thousands of Africans.

The Chinese leader made the announcement at a major summit between China and Africa in Johannesburg.

The momentum of rapid growth in Africa was "unstoppable", Mr Xi told more than 35 African heads of state.

South Africa's President Jacob Zuma, who is joint host at the summit, welcomed Africa and China's deepening partnership.

"China has become Africa's largest trade partner, and Africa is now one of China's major import sources and fourth largest investment destination. This partnership can only yield further positive results for Africa's development," Mr Zuma said.

China's announcement of grants, loans and development funds was widely anticipated, although the figure exceeded expectations.

Much of this additional assistance is likely to be focused on infrastructure projects, to help boost economic development but more details on the deal are yet to emerge.

President Zuma said that China and the African continent each made up a third of the world's population, bringing the possibility of new markets and production possibilities.

But perhaps one of the biggest challenges African countries face is youth unemployment and leaders are under pressure to come up with development plans which create more jobs.

Despite a major slowdown at home, which has seen Chinese demand for African exports plummet - a vital source of foreign exchange earnings for the continent - the main message is that despite economic challenges, China's commitment to Africa is long term.