China State Construction is building schools near the equator, improving educational conditions in Gabon, a country in central and western Africa.

Covering areas of 60,000 and 24,000 square meters, the two construction projects, Alibandeng and Cap Estérias, are located in Greater Libreville, Gabon.

The Alibandeng comprehensive school project can accommodate about 2,000 primary and middle school students, making it easier for students living nearby to go to school.

The Cap Esterias Middle School program can accommodate about 700 middle school students, making education possible for students in remote forest areas.

Both projects started on Oct 1, 2020. The Alibandeng project is expected to be completed in 2021 and the Cap Estérias project has completed in November and is expected to come into service soon.

Africa is an important market for Chinese companies, and more than 3,500 companies have been established in Africa, with private companies accounting for over 70 percent, said Qian Keming, vice-minister of commerce , at a news conference on Nov 17.

Chinese companies have helped African countries build and upgrade over 10,000 kilometers of railways and nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, establish over 1,200 educational institutions and set up more than 400 medical equipment, creating an estimated 4.5 million jobs, Qian said.