In recent days, African leaders convened in Beijing, China, for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The leaders had opportunities to discuss strengthening both bilateral and collective ties with the Chinese leadership. The three-day event took place from Wednesday, September 4, to Friday, September 6, 2024.
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has been progressively strengthening its influence over the past 24 years.
“The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations. The founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations,” said President Xi Jinping in his opening remarks.
“Over the past 24 years, especially in the new era, China has advanced forward hand-in-hand with our African brothers and sisters in the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith… We get stronger and more resilient together by riding the tide of economic globalization, delivering tangible benefits to billions of ordinary Chinese and Africans,” he added.
During the forum, China pledged an investment of Sh6.4 trillion ($50 billion) to Africa over the next three years. Xi, emphasizing modernization as a key theme, expressed China’s readiness to enhance governance exchanges with Africa. He stated that China is prepared to support all countries in exploring modernization paths that suit their national conditions.
President Xi urged that African countries should not only adhere to general rules but also tailor their strategies to national realities. He advocated for mutually beneficial cooperation in areas such as industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, investment, and high-quality Belt and Road projects.
Xi called for a cooperation approach that prioritizes the well-being of the people.
President Xi Jinping announced that China will collaborate with African countries to advance personnel training, poverty reduction, and employment. He noted that these efforts aim to improve the sense of gain, happiness, and security among people.
Xi also highlighted China’s intention to strengthen people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa, promoting mutual respect, inclusiveness, and the coexistence of diverse civilizations. He emphasized eco-friendly development, stating that China is prepared to assist Africa in creating “green growth engines,” reducing the energy accessibility gap, and adhering to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
China aims to jointly advocate for global green and low-carbon development.
Additionally, Xi committed to enhancing China’s capacity to maintain peace and stability independently and to prioritizing Africa in the implementation of the Global Security Initiative (GSI). He emphasized the promotion of mutual reinforcement between high-quality development and increased security.
President Xi expressed China’s readiness to work with African countries to uphold global peace and stability. He remarked, “Africa is also awakening again, and the continent is making solid strides toward the modernization goals set forth in the AU’s Agenda 2063. China and Africa’s joint pursuit of modernization will spark a wave of modernization in the Global South and open a new chapter in our quest for a community with a shared future for mankind.”
