Mercy Tedeku and Paul Frimpong
In the years leading up to 2000, Africa faced numerous challenges, including civil wars, diseases, and a crippling debt burden. The continent, often labeled as "hopeless," became increasingly unattractive to its traditional partners. Amidst this backdrop, China emerged as a reliable partner, stepping in when Africa needed support the most.
In 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established as a triennial platform for high-level political coordination, marking the
beginning of a new era. Through FOCAC, China solidified its role as a
preferred partner for Africa, fostering dialogue and collaboration between
China and African nations.
FOCAC has been held successfully eight times since its inception, with the
last edition held in 2021 in Dakar, Senegal.
As the forum is scheduled to convene every three years, 2024 stands as a
significant year, with the 9th FOCAC meeting set to be hosted in Beijing. Over its two-decade existence, FOCAC has evolved to ensure it remains relevant in deepening the ties between Africa and China.
Key insights and implications:
The partnership between Africa and China is based on mutual respect, equality,
and win-win cooperation. FOCAC provides a meeting point for African countries
and China to exchange ideas, make agreements, and develop strategies to
strengthen economic cooperation and enhance Africa's sustainable development.
Central to FOCAC's operations are the triennial ministerial conferences and
summit meetings, alternately hosted by China and African countries. These
gatherings serve as platforms for high-level discussions, policy coordination, and the formulation of cooperation frameworks. Notably, FOCAC emphasizes
pragmatic cooperation through initiatives like the China-Africa Development
Fund, the China-Africa Industrial Capacity Cooperation Fund, and the Belt and
Road Initiative (BRI), aiming to facilitate infrastructure development,
industrialization, and sustainable growth across Africa.
Loan Commitments:
China's increasing loan commitments under FOCAC offer significant advantages
for Africa, primarily by addressing the continent's substantial infrastructure deficit and fostering economic development.
These loans provide critical funding for large-scale projects such as roads,
railways, ports, and power plants. This financial support not only accelerates
industrialization and enhances connectivity within Africa, but also stimulates job creation and skill development. By facilitating improved infrastructure, China's loans help integrate African economies, boost trade, and attract further
investment, thereby contributing to long-term sustainable growth across the
continent.
China's loan commitment through FOCAC has increased significantly over the years.
2006: $5 billion, FOCAC III, Beijing, China
2009: $10 billion—FOCAC IV, Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
2012: $20 billion—FOCAC V, Beijing, China
2015: $35 billion—FOCAC VI, Johannesburg, South Africa.
2018: $60 billion—FOCAC VII, Beijing, China
Win-Win Cooperation:
Several misconceptions suggest that African countries play a passive role in
Sino-African relations. However, FOCAC itself is a testament to China's
commitment to listening to Africa's needs and responding appropriately.
Structured to ensure African voices are heard, FOCAC's agenda is shaped by mutual interests and priorities. Regular high-level meetings, ministerial
Conferences and consultations provide a platform for African leaders to articulate their developmental goals, with China tailoring its support accordingly.
This collaborative approach demonstrates respect for Africa's agency and a
shared vision for sustainable development, challenging the narrative of unilateral influence and highlighting the proactive role African nations play in shaping their partnership with China. FOCAC has solidified diplomatic relationships between China and African countries, creating a platform for regular, high-level dialogue. It fosters strategic partnerships, allowing both sides to align their interests and collaborate on international platforms.
Economic Development:
FOCAC has significantly influenced the trade and investment landscape between
China and Africa. Trade volumes have increased, with China emerging as Africa's
largest trading partner. Chinese investments span diverse sectors including
infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing, contributing to
Africa's socio-economic development.
Infrastructure Development: China has invested heavily in African
infrastructure, including roads, railways, ports, and energy projects. In 2018,
China and Africa signed a $60 billion cooperative plan to support infrastructure development. These projects enhance connectivity and economic potential.
Agriculture: Since 2006, FOCAC has identified agriculture as a
cooperation area. China has invested over $100 billion in Africa's agriculture
sector, leading to the training of farmers and the promotion of modernized farming techniques, and construction of agri-processing factories, thereby increasing food production and reducing malnutrition. In 2009, FOCAC, China, announced it would set up 30 agricultural demonstration centers across Africa in
partnership with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization as
well.
Health: Improving health in Africa is a top priority for FOCAC. China's
medical assistance, which has increased significantly since 1963, includes
improving health infrastructure, conducting medical research, and providing
assistance during outbreaks.
The COVID-19 pandemic also centered health cooperation as a key focus.
China supplied nearly 200 million doses of vaccination to Africa and pledged
to deliver an additional 1 billion vaccine doses, aiming for a 60% vaccination
rate during the outbreak of the virus and over 100 million Africans have
benefited from this support.
Trade: Trade cooperation has been one of the propellers of China-Africa
relations as China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record $282.1 billion in
2023.
In 2019, China announced plans to increase market access for African
products and services, providing tariff exemptions for specific products as well
as grant zero-tariff treatment to exports from least developed countries in
Africa, reflecting the growing economic interdependence between the two
regions.
Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges:
Beyond economic cooperation, FOCAC emphasizes cultural exchanges and
people-to-people interactions. Educational scholarships, cultural exchange
programs and youth initiatives foster greater understanding and mutual respect
between Chinese and African societies. By promoting cultural diversity and
intercultural dialogue, FOCAC aims to forge lasting bonds between the peoples
of China and Africa.
Environmental Sustainability:
FOCAC includes commitments to sustainable development, supporting renewable energy projects, and environmental conservation efforts. Both China and Africa use the platform to address climate change issues, aiming for sustainable and eco-friendly development practices. During FOCAC, Africa and China discussed ways to enhance cooperation on green development through initiatives like the China-Africa Environment Cooperation Center.
They committed to supporting climate change projects, advancing the China-
Africa Green Programs, and organizing roundtables and capacity-building
training. Both sides aim to push forward the China-Africa Green Innovation
Program and foster collaboration on green, circular, and low-carbon
technologies.
These efforts are designed to boost Africa’s capacity to achieve UN 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development and the AU Agenda 2063. Initiatives under
FOCAC aligns with global development agendas, such as those of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting shared progress.
Technological and Digital Advancements:
FOCAC promotes the development of the digital economy in Africa, facilitating
technology transfer and investment in digital infrastructure. It encourages
collaborations in science and technology, driving innovation and modernization in African economies.
China's commitment to technological and digital advancements under FOCAC
presents a significant opportunity for Africa's development. This partnership aims to bridge the digital divide by enhancing Africa's technological infrastructure and capabilities. Initiatives include the construction of advanced telecommunications networks, the establishment of technology transfer hubs, and the provision of training programs to build digital skills among the African workforce.
By fostering innovation and supporting the growth of digital economies, China's
efforts to help African nations leapfrog traditional development stages and integrate more effectively into the global digital economy.
In conclusion, the impact of FOCAC extends beyond bilateral relations. It focuses on long-term sustainable development, ensuring that cooperation benefits both China and Africa in a balanced and mutually advantageous manner.
It continually evolves to address emerging issues and adapt to changing global
contexts, ensuring its relevance and effectiveness. As the 9th FOCAC meeting approaches in a few months, the forum's continued evolution and adaptability will be crucial in addressing emerging challenges and ensuring its ongoing relevance and effectiveness in strengthening the partnership between China and Africa.
