As the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit opens this week, over 40 high-level African leaders are set to converge in Beijing, marking a significant return to in-person diplomacy since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Established 24 years ago, FOCAC has become a vital platform for strengthening ties between China and Africa, driving cooperation across key sectors. With anticipation high, this summit is expected to deliver new financial commitments, enhanced trade agreements, and strategic partnerships in digital and infrastructure development.

Financial commitments and infrastructure development

This year’s FOCAC 9 is particularly exciting as it marks the first in-person summit since the global pandemic, with leaders from both continents looking to renew their commitments to shared prosperity. One of the key expectations from this summit is new and renewed financial commitments, including concessional loans, Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocations from China to Africa, and strengthened cooperation with African financial institutions such as the African Development Bank and AfriExim Bank.

FOCAC 9 is also expected to prioritize more strategic and impactful infrastructure projects. Moving away from the larger megaprojects of the past, the focus is likely to be on smaller-scale projects that significantly enhance regional connectivity and support Pan-African initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These initiatives will play a crucial role in integrating African economies into global trade networks and modernizing the continent’s infrastructure.

Expanding trade and adding value to african exports

Trade is a major pillar of the China-Africa relationship, and FOCAC 9 is set to expand this partnership further. Building on the success of past initiatives, such as the “Green Lanes” that facilitated the import of African agricultural products into China, this summit is expected to emphasize the importance of moving beyond raw commodities. There is a growing focus on value-added African products, which will enhance the continent’s competitiveness and create more economic opportunities for African countries.

Digital cooperation and AI development

In today’s rapidly changing world, digital cooperation and artificial intelligence (AI) development have become critical areas for partnership. At FOCAC 9, commitments in these sectors are anticipated, reflecting a shared recognition of the role of technology in driving future growth. Strengthening digital partnerships will be crucial in helping African countries modernize their economies, improve access to digital infrastructure, and participate more fully in the global digital economy.

Integrating China’s belt and road strategy with Africa’s development needs

The FOCAC framework complements China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a cornerstone of China’s global development strategy. For Africa, integrating BRI projects with the continent’s development priorities is vital to achieving the vision of a high-level community of shared future, as outlined by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The Dar es Salaam Consensus, reached earlier this year, provides valuable insights into how China-Africa cooperation can safeguard the common interests of the global South, promoting inclusive growth and shared prosperity.

Strengthening global south representation and reforming international governance

FOCAC 9 also presents an opportunity to advocate for greater representation of African voices in international governance structures. China’s consistent support for Africa’s inclusion in the United Nations Security Council and the African Union’s recent inclusion in the G20 underscore a mutual commitment to amplifying the voices of the global South. The summit is expected to further advance the agenda of inclusive economic globalization, support for Africa’s industrialization, and necessary reforms in institutions like the World Bank and IMF to better serve developing nations.

A vision for a shared future

As the FOCAC 9 Summit unfolds, it stands as a testament to the deepening partnership between China and Africa. The outcomes of the summit will shape the future trajectory of this relationship, offering new avenues for cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and governance. For African nations, this is not just about diplomatic engagement but a strategic partnership that seeks to build a shared future grounded in mutual respect, common goals, and a commitment to progress.

In a world increasingly marked by geopolitical shifts and economic challenges, the China-Africa partnership continues to offer a powerful example of how two regions can work together to foster growth, development, and a high-level community of shared future.