China is planning to train at least 500 African aviators annually, as part of wider efforts to provide a boost to the continent's fast-growing aviation industry.

The pledge was made by Shu Limei, the commercial councilor for Asia and Africa in Guangdong province during the China-Africa aviation forum held in China's Zhuhai province.

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"We will help Africa to deal with challenges such as backward infrastructure and low financing. Aviation is one of the areas of cooperation in infrastructure between Africa and China," she said.

Passengers' travel between the continent and China have been on a steady rise, hitting over 73 million in 2014, up from 14 million in 2004.

China is also looking at Africa as a robust market for its new aircraft as the continent's airlines seek to replace ageing aircraft. China has struck aviation cooperation agreements with 12 African countries, clearing the way for more partnerships in the sector.

In 2005, the Republic of Congo became the first country in Africa to operate the China manufactured MA60 civil aircraft after purchasing three units from Beijing.

Growing bilateral relations have enabled Chinese commercial airlines to open four direct routes from the country to Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa, and Mauritius.

According to Eng. Fred Kyankya , the general manager of the Uganda Air Cargo Corporation, low investment in the African aviation sector has created huge operational challenges.

"We largely operate old equipment that is retired from markets in Europe, Middle East and Asia. This explains the declining safety record," he said during the aviation forum in Zhuhai, China.

China has also been undertaking other infrastructure projects in Africa, such as building modern railways in Kenya and Rwanda.