The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit concluded with a resounding resolve among African and Chinese leaders to amplify synergy in their collective push for inclusive and sustainable development. In the 24 years since the forum was initiated, Africa’s partnership with China has seen the most development compared to any other arrangement with a single country.
In the Chinese mainland, the continent has found a dependable partner whose unique history, demography, and stage of development mirror those of African countries. Ahead of the FOCAC Summit, a perception survey by the Johannesburg-based Ichikowitz Family Foundation found that African youths consider China to be the most influential power in Africa, polling 82 percent compared to the United States at 79 percent.
Like previous FOCAC meetings, the just-concluded summit has set the stage for comprehensive political and socioeconomic engagement between China and Africa for the next three years. China has pledged 360 billion yuan (about $51 billion) in financial support to implement these actions.
From major infrastructure construction and green energy transition to agricultural modernization and industrial expansion, China has demonstrated its willingness to stand with Africa. Since 2009, China has been Africa’s largest trade partner. By agreeing to import more African products, China is helping Africa diversify away from traditional markets, leading to higher incomes for farmers and producers.
Over the next three years, China will provide about 60,000 training opportunities to Africans, mainly to women and young people. The skills and technology transfer to young Africans is a key enabler in entrepreneurship—a pathway out of unemployment and poverty. Many young Africans prefer China for training due to high-quality education, affordable living costs, and experiential learning in similar contexts. Such exchange programs also foster understanding, friendship, and cultural amity between the people of China and Africa.
Conversely, Africa offers significant value to China. With abundant natural resources, including renewables, Africa’s partnership with China, the world’s largest source of green energy technology, can be a powerful force in climate mitigation and adaptation.
Africa is forging ahead with the implementation of its free trade area, which is the largest after the World Trade Organization by member states. Africa’s youthful and dynamic market presents vast opportunities for Chinese enterprises. The continent also offers Chinese firms a chance to internationalize and drive economic transformation for win-win outcomes.
Reference(s):
FOCAC synergizes China-Africa partnership for sustainable growth
cgtn.com
