The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is set to take place in Beijing from September 4 to 6. This summit marks the fourth major gathering of China and African nations, following previous summits in Beijing (2006 and 2018) and Johannesburg (2015). It is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest participation of foreign leaders.
FOCAC, established in Beijing in October 2000, represents a significant milestone in China-Africa relations. Over the years, it has evolved into the cornerstone of a long-lasting partnership, known for its practical and results-oriented collaboration. Subsequently, from China’s lens FOCAC is a commitment to Africa’s sustainable development, with a focus on infrastructure, human resource development, and governance.
Africa has taken note of China’s progress over the past seven decades, which has been marked by innovation and reform. Many countries in the Global South see China’s experience as a model for their own development. For China, FOCAC is more than just diplomacy; it is a strategic alliance that embodies a shared vision for progress, with an emphasis on innovation and tailored development strategies that benefit both sides.
China’s Development Approach in Africa
Moreover, China’s approach focuses on infrastructure development, capital investment, and deploying skilled labor to remove barriers to growth in African countries. The results are evident: in the past decade, China has helped build over 6,000 km of railways, 6,000 km of roads, and nearly 20 ports across Africa. Projects like Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway and the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway have boosted Africa’s economic potential and enhanced regional connectivity, laying the groundwork for sustained growth.
Consequently, FOCAC meets every three years and has consistently delivered substantial financial commitments, including a US$40 billion pledge at the 2021 summit to support infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing in Africa. The effectiveness of FOCAC is clear, with US$155 billion of the US$191 billion in pledged loans between 2006 and 2021 being implemented.
As per the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, FOCAC, over the past 24 years have become a banner for China’s accelerated development in Africa and a banner of South-South cooperation.
As the summit approaches, African leaders have begun arriving in Beijing. China-Africa cooperation serves as a model for international relations based on equality and mutual benefit, presenting a new approach to global partnerships that is free from domination and rooted in mutual respect.
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