The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was formally inaugurated at its first Ministerial Conference in October 2000 in Beijing, upon the joint initiative of China and Africa.

It aims to further strengthen friendly cooperation between China and African countries to meet the challenges of economic globalization in search of common prosperity.

The FOCAC promotes understanding, consensus-building, friendship, and collaboration through consultation on the basis of equality. FOCAC members include China, the 53 African states that have established diplomatic relations with China, and the Commission of the African Union.

The FOCAC Ministerial Conference is held every three years, and to date, nine conferences have been convened in Beijing (2000), Addis Ababa (2003), Beijing （2006）, Sharm El Sheikh-Egpyt(2009), Beijing (2012), Johannesburg (2015), Beijing (2018), Dakar (2021) and Beijing (2024).

This year’s FOCAC summit took place at Beijing between the 4th to 6th of September and in attendance are 53 Heads of African states, and been considered as the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years.

The central theme of the 2024 FOCAC summit is "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.

In his keynote address, President Xi Jinping emphasized on the importance of China-Africa cooperation as China and Africa account for one-third of the world population, which without the modernization of China and Africa, there will be no modernization of the world.

He then added that in the next three years, China will work with Africa to take ten strategic partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization.

First, the Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations.

China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies.

Second, the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity. China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider and have decided to give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines.

Third, the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation.

China will foster industry cooperation growth clusters with Africa, push forward the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, and launch an "African SMEs empowerment program."

Fourth, the Partnership Action for Connectivity. China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote together high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development.

Fifth, the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation. China is ready to release the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative with Africa and implement 1,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects.

Sixth, the Partnership Action for Health. China is ready to establish with Africa a hospitals alliance and joint medical centers. China will send 2,000 medical personnel to Africa, and launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment.

Seventh, the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods. China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, build 100,000 mu (about 6,670 hectares) of standardized agriculture demonstration areas in Africa, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance.

Eighth, the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges.

China will implement with Africa more solidly the Future of Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, establish together an engineering technology academy, and build ten Luban Workshops.

Ninth, the Partnership Action for Green Development. China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief as well as biodiversity conservation.

Tenth, the Partnership Action for Common Security. China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the Global security initiative (GSI),and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation.

China will give Africa RMB1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China.

In order to implement the ten partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years.

This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies.

Implications for Africa

The shift in focus from infrastructure to sustainable development has some implications for African countries. First, it signals a recognition of the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection and social equity. Second, it aligns with the global agenda on sustainable development, positioning African countries as key players in addressing global challenges.

However, the transition towards sustainable development will presents challenges for African countries. The capacity to implement sustainable development policies may vary across different African countries, depending on their institutional frameworks, governance structures, and access to resources.

Despite these challenges, the shift in focus at FOCAC 2024 represents a positive step towards a more sustainable and equitable future for Africa.

By prioritizing sustainable development, green finance, and climate change, China and African countries are demonstrating a shared commitment to building a more resilient and prosperous continent.

What will China gain from this Cooperation?

China's cooperation with Africa through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is indeed aimed at long-term benefits and partnership, which is evident from the comprehensive and strategic nature of the engagements outlined at the 2024 summit.

Here's how China stands to gain from this partnership.

First, China is set to enhance its trade relations with Africa, which has been its largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.

New agreements on trade and investment are expected to further boost economic ties between China and Africa.

Second, By investing in infrastructure projects across Africa, China not only support the development of the Continent but also opens up new opportunities for its own construction and engineering companies.

Third, The summit has also seen the strengthening of strategic partnerships with multiple African countries, which is very crucial for China’s foreign policy and global influence.

Fourth, strengthening people-to-people bonds through cultural and educational exchanges can lead to a better understanding of Chinese culture and values, enhancing China's global soft power.

Fifth, China can leverage cooperation in areas like digital economy, renewable energy, and technology transfer to accelerate its own technological advancements and to extend its reach in these sectors abroad.

Conclusion

The 2024 FOCAC Summit has marked a pivotal moment in China-Africa relations, highlighting a shared commitment to a future of mutual growth and development.

The summit's key points have underscored the depth and breadth of cooperation, spanning from infrastructure and trade to cultural exchanges and security partnerships.

As we look to the future, the dawn of this new era in China-Africa relations holds much promise. The expectations are high for the tangible outcomes of the summit to manifest in the form of completed infrastructure projects, thriving trade relations, and a new wave of technological and educational exchanges.

The world will be watching the evolution of this partnership, which could shape the course of international development and cooperation for years to come.

In conclusion, the 2024 FOCAC Summit stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of partnership between China and Africa, offering a vision of shared progress and a commitment to a future that values solidarity, inclusivity, and sustainable growth.

The summit's success is not just measured in the agreements made but in the enduring impact it will have on the lives of people across both continents and beyond.

Michael Oduro

Beijing Foreign Studies University

M.A. International Chinese Language