The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit marked yet another pivotal moment in China-Africa relations. President Xi Jinping of China announced a 360 billion yuan (approximately $50 bn) package for Africa over the next three years. It is part of China’s drive to bolster Africa’s development and modernization efforts, further cementing the strong bilateral ties between China and the continent.
The FOCAC Summit
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) provides the platform for China-Africa leadership dialogue to foster economic, political and social cooperation between China and African nations. Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has significantly promoted mutual understanding, trust, and collaboration between China and Africa. FOCAC was established to provide a framework for China and African countries to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and explore opportunities for cooperation. The forum aims to:
- Promote economic development and cooperation
- Enhance political mutual trust and understanding
- Strengthen cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties
- Address global challenges and promote international cooperation
This year’s summit, which was held from September 4–6 saw heads of state and top government officials from 51 African countries converge in East Asia. President Xi Jinping assured his African counterparts of China’s preparedness to collaborate, outlining ten partnership initiatives, central to the collaboration. With the populations of Africa and China making up one-third of the global population, any initiatives between them are bound to create impact and catch attention. Global modernization cannot exist without our modernization, Xi Jinping noted.
Xi suggested that China-Africa relations be raised to that of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. He added that bilateral relations between China and all African nations having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations.
China’s Proposed 10-Point Action Plan
President Xi Jinping outlined the 10 core areas the collaboration between his country and Africa. All 10 initiatives are designed to promote progress through a shared responsibility with China largely the funding partner through the $50 billion package. The funding will be directed towards:
Mutual Learning among Civilizations
China will establish a platform for governance experience sharing and a China-Africa knowledge network for development. This initiative will foster mutual understanding and cooperation, enabling both regions to learn from each other’s governance models and development strategies.
Trade Prosperity
In a significant move to boost trade, China will unilaterally open its market wider, granting duty-free treatment to 100% of tariff lines of products from least developed countries that have diplomatic ties with China. This will enhance trade opportunities and economic growth for African nations.
Industrial Chain Cooperation
China plans to foster industry cooperation growth with Africa by launching an “African SMEs Empowerment Program.” This program aims to boost industrialization by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises; creating jobs and enhancing local manufacturing capabilities.
Connectivity
To improve infrastructure and regional connectivity, China will carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa. These projects will promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhancing transportation, communication and energy networks across the continent.
Development Cooperation
China will release the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative with Africa. As part of this initiative, China will implement 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, focusing on improving the quality of life for African communities.
Health
China will establish a hospital alliance and joint medical centres in Africa. Additionally, 2,000 medical personnel will be sent to the continent and 20 programs focused on health facilities and malaria treatment will be launched. These efforts aim to enhance healthcare services and combat diseases.
Agriculture and Livelihood
To address food security and agricultural development, China will provide Africa with 1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance. Furthermore, China will build 100,000 mu of standardized agriculture demonstration areas and send 500 agricultural experts to support local farming practices.
People-to-People Exchanges
China will implement the Future of Africa—Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, which includes establishing an engineering technology academy and building ten Luban Workshops. These initiatives aim to enhance vocational education and technical skills among African youth.
Green Development
China will launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, focusing on renewable energy sources. Additionally, meteorological early warning systems will be put in place and cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief as well as biodiversity conservation will be established.
Common Security
To enhance security cooperation, China will build a partnership for implementing the Global Security Initiative. This includes providing training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa and inviting 500 young African military officers to visit China.
A Commitment to Africa’s Progress
This significant financial commitment underscores China’s dedication to promoting Africa’s growth and development. The funds will be distributed through a mix of grants, loans and direct investments, ensuring that African countries have the necessary resources to drive progress and achieve their development goals.
China’s pledge represents a strategic partnership aimed at mutual benefits, with both regions working together to tackle challenges and seize opportunities for shared prosperity.
I’m a Master’s Student at Renmin University Of China, studying Contemporary Chinese Studies. I am an alumnus of the University of Ghana, where I was a former executive of the Chinese Students Association Ghana. My interest in the Chinese language drives my passion for studying in China, its rise to global power, and how it relates to the international world, especially African Countries.
