Africa will receive $10 billion in concessional loans from China over the next three years.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao pledged the money at the 4th ministerial conference of the Sino-Africa Forum in Egypt saying, his country was committed to fostering relations with the continent.

China will also assist the development of clean energy, encourage Chinese financial institutions to lend to smaller African firms, and facilitate access for African products.

The forum is aimed at boosting a relationship which is now economically booming.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame who attended in his capacity as chairman of the East African Community said trade between the region and China had grown by over 200% from 2007.

He said partnership with China will be crucial for the infrastructure projects planned to facilitate the region's vast potential for commerce and investment.

China is currently trading with all 53 African states, and signed agreements to relieve or cancel the debt of more thann 30 countries in the last cooperation summit in Beijing in 2006.