Relations between Africa and China have strengthened in the 21st century, particularly in the context of economic cooperation and infrastructure projects. These relations are shaped primarily through platforms such as China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In this regard, attention is focused on the 9th FOCAC, which will be held in Beijing from September 4-6, 2024.
At a press conference held on August 27, 2024, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that his country has remained committed to the principles of sincerity, real results, friendship, and goodwill under the framework of FOCAC and the BRI for many years. He also emphasized that China is determined to support African countries in achieving their sustainable development goals by promoting infrastructure and connectivity development.[i]
Spokesperson Lin noted that over the years, China and African countries have collaborated on the construction and improvement of approximately 100,000 kilometers of roads, over 10,000 kilometers of railways, around 1,000 bridges, and nearly 100 ports. He particularly highlighted the completion of projects such as the Mombasa-Nairobi railway, the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, and the Benguela railway, which have significantly improved transportation efficiency between coastal and inland regions. Additionally, he mentioned that the Kribi Deep Sea Port in Cameroon can accommodate ships carrying over 10,000 tons of cargo, offering new development opportunities for landlocked countries.[ii]
African economies are still suffering from the instability caused by the stagnation during the Covid-19 period. According to public opinion studies by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, African youth demand equality, justice, and transparency, including in the relationships between African governments and external powers.[iii]
The Dakar Action Plan (2022-2024), which was a concrete outcome of the 8th FOCAC summit held in Senegal in November 2021, provided a comprehensive framework for promoting and facilitating trade. This plan includes detailed goals aimed at improving strategic market access and enhancing product value. China pledged to import $300 billion worth of goods from Africa between 2022 and 2024 and allocated $10 billion to improve the quality of African exports. Additionally, a $10 billion credit line was established to help small and medium-sized enterprises export high-quality products to the Chinese market. However, questions remain about the feasibility and long-term impact of the Dakar Action Plan.[iv]
Despite these concerns, African diplomats in Kenya are displaying great optimism ahead of the upcoming FOCAC summit. This summit aims to deepen cooperation between China and Africa and to build a China-Africa community with a shared future. Diplomats examining BRI projects in Kenya, such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, praise these projects’ potential to transform the continent’s infrastructure network and accelerate economic growth. Such projects play a critical role in helping Africa achieve its development goals. Many BRI projects in Kenya reflect China’s commitment to assisting Africa in developing strategic areas such as communication and transportation[v]. Tunisia’s Ambassador to Kenya, Anouar Ben Youssef, noted that the summit provides an opportunity to reaffirm China’s cooperation with Africa, not only in infrastructure but also in various sectors. This aligns with China’s goal of expanding its influence in Africa and contributing to the continent’s development under the win-win principle. Significant infrastructure developments observed across the continent confirm China’s key role in this region. These developments are occurring as African countries demonstrate a willingness to maintain and advance their relationships with China.
Sanyu Manday, a consultant at the Ugandan High Commission in Kenya, expects African countries to propose development projects at the FOCAC summit and for China to assist in their implementation. Manday’s emphasis on a regional approach is based on the idea that African countries should participate in BRI projects collectively, rather than individually. This strategy aims to secure better investment rates and develop economies of scale. Projects like the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway can promote collective growth by improving regional integration and transportation. Manday appreciates China’s support for Africa’s development efforts, highlighting the importance of relationships established with African countries through public-private partnerships.[vi]
Challenges and Strategic Engagement: The sustainability of Africa-China relations depends on African countries accurately identifying their development priorities and negotiating effectively with China. Ghana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Damptey Bediako Asare, emphasizes that every African country should approach the FOCAC summit with a clear understanding of its development needs and a strategy for how they wish to engage with China. This is a critical step for Africa to fully benefit from the BRI. Botswana’s High Commissioner to Kenya, Andrew Sesinyi, underscores that China-Africa relations are based on equality and mutual benefit. Maintaining these partnerships within a strategic framework will be crucial for Africa’s long-term development goals.[vii]
As the 2024 FOCAC approaches, Africa is striving to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as education, technology transfer, manufacturing, supply chain value sharing, and the development of a sustainable agricultural industry. This expanding agenda contributes to making FOCAC a more inclusive platform for Africa. The benefits that FOCAC can bring to Africa are directly linked to Africa’s ability to set its own agenda.
While the continent’s green energy potential, young population, and mineral resources offer significant opportunities for the future, low electrification rates and industrialization accumulation pose serious challenges. If Africa aims to fully benefit from the FOCAC environment, it is crucial that negotiators clearly define their priorities and act accordingly. FOCAC 2024 is seen as a critical turning point in Africa-China relations, with the potential to achieve significant progress in trade, industrial development, and sustainable cooperation.
Africa’s ability to obtain long-term benefits from this partnership is closely linked to its capacity to shape the agenda. While some argue that China’s relationship with Africa is primarily driven by its desire to access the continent’s natural resources, in reality, this relationship is far more complex. Africa’s 54 votes in the United Nations, its significant young population, and the role of Africa-China cooperation in supporting China’s goal of building a global community of developing countries are factors that reinforce China’s interest in Africa. China has made its relationship with Africa more critical, especially in the face of increasing global pressure from the U.S. and its allies. The 2024 FOCAC Summit will be a defining moment for both China and Africa, setting the direction for this vital partnership in the future.
Expanding trade with Africa remains a priority for China. In this context, China continues to demonstrate its commitment to deepening its economic ties with Africa, and the 2024 FOCAC is expected to renew its commitment to enhancing African producers’ access to Chinese markets by focusing on agriculture. China’s renewable energy investments under the BRI offer significant potential for Africa’s electrification. In this context, FOCAC 2024 emphasizes green energy cooperation and contributes to Africa’s broader industrial development goals. China’s expertise in this field will play a key role in the continent’s energy transition.
[i] “China hails BRI cooperation with African countries”, CGTN, https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-08-28/China-hails-BRI-cooperation-with-Africa-1wrkw6xcdJS/p.html, (Accessed: 28.08.2024).
[ii] Ibid.
[iii] FOCAC 2024: Elevating African Interests Beyond the Africa-China Summit, Africa Center for Strategic Studies, https://africacenter.org/spotlight/focac-2024-elevating-african-interests-africa-china-summit/, (Accessed: 28.08.2024).
[iv] Ibid.
[v]African envoys expect deeper ties with China, IPP Media, https://www.ippmedia.com/the-guardian/news/world/read/african-envoys-expect-deeper-ties-with-china-2024-08-21-115851, (Accessed: 28.08.2024).
[vi] Ibid.
[vii] Ibid.