China and São Tomé and Príncipe have struck an agreement to build public housing in the African archipelago, Macauhub reports.

The news website quotes a written statement issued by the Chinese Embassy in São Tomé as saying the agreement provides for the construction by 2024 of 200 homes in Lobata and Cantagalo, on the island of São Tomé.

The statement quotes Chinese Ambassador to São Tomé and Príncipe Wang Wei as saying the dwellings will be benefit the people of the archipelago.

It also quotes São Tomé and Príncipe Minister of Public Works, Infrastructure, Natural Resources and the Environment Osvaldo d’Abreu as saying the project will create homes and jobs for local people.

Mr d’Abreu regards Chinese support for infrastructure projects in his country as a reflection of the friendship between China and São Tomé and Príncipe, Macauhub quotes the Chinese Embassy in São Tomé as saying.