BEIJING, Sept. 2 (Xinhua) -- Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the rotating chair of the African Union (AU), on Sunday listed three primary goals for institutional reform in the continental bloc, calling for help in Africa's capacity building.

The reform, which has long been called for, aims to strengthen unity among member states, enhance the capacity for self-driven development, and improve efficiency within the group, Kagame said.

There is much strength in unity and AU member states need to work closely with one another for the continent's better future, he said.

Despite the progress made in building up its development capacity, Africa still needs help from its partners and friends, he said. Efforts are needed to boost efficiency within the bloc and its interactions with other global partners, he added.

The ongoing reform "fits very well with our cooperation with China," the Rwandan president said. "China has been a supportive friend for Africa for a long time, but we don't want to be a burden on a permanent basis ... The reform should build our capacities and make the partnership more meaningful."

"We are looking to China to strengthen us in this quest for unity, independence and efficiency," he added.