The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit will be held in Beijing from September 4 to 6. Leaders from China and Africa will gather under the theme of “Working Together to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future” to discuss friendship, cooperation, and the future. This summit represents another grand reunion of the China-Africa friendly family and is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years, with the highest attendance of foreign leaders.
President Xi Jinping will attend the opening ceremony of the summit on September 5 and deliver a keynote speech. During the summit, President Xi will also host a welcome banquet and related bilateral activities for the leaders of FOCAC African member states, relevant African regional organizations, and international organization representatives who have been invited.
On the morning of September 2, President Xi Jinping met with President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This was the first bilateral activity with foreign leaders attending the summit.
At the 2024 FOCAC Summit, both China and Africa reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation, particularly in trade, infrastructure construction, investment, and technological innovation. Cooperation between China and Africa has not only brought positive changes to economic development but will also have a profound impact on social, cultural, and political aspects.
1.Trade Growth and Market Expansion
In recent years, China-Africa bilateral trade has been steadily growing, becoming an important part of the global economic landscape. China is not only one of Africa’s largest trading partners but also increasingly expanding its market share in African exports. Through free trade agreements and trade facilitation measures, trade barriers between China and African countries have been gradually reduced, providing more opportunities for African export products. Particularly in resource-based products, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, Africa’s market has been further expanded.
2.Investment and Infrastructure Construction
Chinese investment in Africa mainly focuses on infrastructure construction, including transportation, energy, and water resources. These investments have not only improved infrastructure conditions in Africa but also promoted regional economic integration. For example, Chinese companies have participated in the construction projects of railways, highways, ports, and power facilities in Africa, significantly enhancing the logistics efficiency and energy supply capacity of African countries. The improvement in infrastructure has laid a solid foundation for economic growth in Africa and attracted more foreign investment to the African market.
3.Industrialization and Technology Transfer
China’s assistance to Africa is also reflected in industrialization and technology transfer. China promotes the industrialization process in African countries by setting up industrial parks, providing technical training, and introducing advanced equipment. For example, the industrial parks established by China in Africa not only create a large number of job opportunities but also help local enterprises improve production technology and management levels. This technology transfer and industrialization support help African countries achieve economic diversification and sustainable development.
1.Education and Training
Education is one of the key areas of Chinese aid to African countries. China helps improve education levels in Africa through scholarship programs, teacher training, and educational cooperation. China’s aid includes not only financial support but also the provision of high-quality educational resources. Cooperation between Chinese and African universities, as well as the dispatch of Chinese teachers and experts, has enhanced the quality of education and research capabilities in African countries. Improved education has cultivated a large number of talents for Africa, providing intellectual support for future development.
2.Medical Assistance and Public Health
China’s contributions to medical assistance and public health are also noteworthy. China has provided a large amount of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals and sent medical teams to African countries for on-site support. Especially in combating Ebola and COVID-19, China’s aid and cooperation have significantly enhanced public health capabilities in African countries. This assistance has not only improved medical conditions in Africa but also raised the overall level of public health and strengthened the ability to respond to public health emergencies.
3.Cultural Exchange and People-to-People Friendship
Cultural exchange and cooperation between China and Africa have also been deepening. Through various cultural activities, art exhibitions, and grassroots exchanges, both sides have increased their understanding and respect for each other’s cultures. China promotes the learning of Chinese language and culture in Africa through the establishment of Confucius Institutes and cultural exchange activities. At the same time, traditional African cultures have been promoted and disseminated in China. This cultural exchange has strengthened the friendship and mutual understanding between the people of China and Africa.
1.Political Trust and Strategic Partnership
The regular holding of the FOCAC reflects the close political and strategic cooperation between both sides. Through the forum, China and Africa can communicate and coordinate on international and regional issues of common concern, enhancing political trust. Cooperation between China and African countries in international organizations, such as the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, also reflects the strategic partnership between them. This cooperation not only helps African countries gain a voice and influence in international affairs but also promotes fairness and justice in global governance.
2.Counter-Terrorism and Security Cooperation
Cooperation between China and African countries in counter-terrorism and security is also strengthening. China helps African countries enhance their counter-terrorism and security capabilities through providing security assistance, training, and technical support. In addition, China has participated in African peacekeeping operations, contributing to regional stability and security. This cooperation helps improve the security assurance levels in African countries and creates favorable conditions for regional peace and stability.
1.Ecological Environment Protection
China’s aid to African countries in environmental protection has been actively responded to. China helps African countries address environmental challenges by providing environmental protection technology, financial support, and sharing experiences. For example, China’s assistance and cooperation in combating climate change, protecting wildlife, and improving environmental governance have achieved significant results. This support not only helps African countries achieve environmental sustainability goals but also contributes to global ecological environment protection.
2.Green Development and New Energy
China’s cooperation in promoting green development and new energy also supports the sustainable development of African countries. China’s new energy technologies and green development experiences are being introduced to Africa, helping African countries achieve energy structure transformation and upgrading. For example, solar and wind energy projects conducted by Chinese companies in Africa not only provide clean energy but also promote local green economic development. This green cooperation provides effective solutions for Africa’s energy shortages and environmental pollution problems.
In summary, China’s assistance to Africa has had a positive impact in many areas. By deepening trade cooperation, investing in infrastructure construction, and promoting industrialization and technology transfer, China has not only promoted economic development in Africa but also improved social welfare and public services. Cooperation in political, strategic, security, and environmental protection fields has enhanced mutual trust and friendship between China and Africa, contributing to the joint development and global governance. In the future, China-Africa cooperation is expected to achieve new breakthroughs in more areas and make a greater contribution to global economic stability and prosperity.
