FOCAC's forward-looking message on China-Africa ties
The Great Hall of the People on the eve of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, China, September 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Stephen Ndegwa
It has been around 70 years since China and Africa initiated trade and diplomatic ties. However, the last 24 years have witnessed a significant intensification of this cooperation, particularly with the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000.
Over the past seven decades, the relationship between the two partners has experienced both highs and lows, shaped by the changing fortunes of each. China's struggle against Western imperialism and its subsequent journey towards self-determination has been arduous. Similarly, African nations fought hard to overcome European colonialism, eventually achieving independence and self-rule.
While China has successfully eradicated absolute poverty, many African countries continue to grapple with this challenge. The key to China's socioeconomic success lies in its ability to adapt its development model to its unique circumstances when formulating and implementing its goals. This adaptability has been crucial to its progress.
The FOCAC summit is a testament to China's commitment to its stated goal of lifting the Global South out of poverty and guiding it towards modernization. As the largest developing country in the world and the second-largest global economy, China has built strong bonds with African nations to share its success with mutually beneficial outcomes.
At the opening ceremony of FOCAC in Beijing on September 5, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a forward-looking message that emphasized the future of China-Africa relations.
The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation opens in Beijing, China, September 5, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Xi outlined China's vision for modernization, noting that it presents a significant opportunity for African countries to transform their economies. This vision aligns perfectly with the African Union's Agenda 2063, which serves as the continent's master plan for sustainable development and economic growth.
The 10 partnership action plans to jointly advance modernization outlined by Xi are comprehensive, addressing the urgent needs of African nations. Beyond the practical aspects of socioeconomic development, these proposals also reflect emotional intelligence and empathy towards Africa, both in bilateral and collective terms.
The action plans encompass areas like trade prosperity, industrial chain cooperation, connectivity, green development, health, agriculture, and livelihoods. They also include essential non-physical areas such as mutual learning between civilizations, people-to-people cultural exchanges, and common security. These abstracts capture the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith that underpin China-Africa cooperation.
China's commitment to investing 360 billion yuan ($50.69 billion) in these plans over the next three years reflects a partner that has carefully considered its initiatives. Just as China has successfully executed infrastructural projects in Africa through the Belt and Road Initiative, these new plans are expected to meet their targets.
The successful implementation of these partnership action plans will contribute to the development of a third of the world's population, helping to alleviate global poverty and address challenges facing both the Global South and the broader world. China's Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative will play a pivotal role in realizing these goals.
Africa's leaders require a strong partner to help them overcome the remaining socioeconomic constraints of colonialism and neo-colonialism. They recognize that China represents their best opportunity for developing their nations. For example, contrary to Western misinformation suggesting that Kenya is distancing itself from China, the camaraderie between Xi and Kenyan President William Ruto during the summit demonstrated the enduring bond between the two nations.
Last week, China pledged to assist Kenya in completing several stalled infrastructure projects with a $311 million loan. This arrangement does not suggest that Kenya is overburdened by Chinese loans, nor does it imply that China doubts Kenya's ability or willingness to repay its debts. The trust that has developed over the years between the two nations cannot be easily undermined by external geopolitical influences.
Interestingly, the Bretton Woods institutions, faced significant backlash from Kenya's youth earlier this year due to their harsh lending conditions. These conditions led to unsustainable tax hikes, driving up the prices of basic commodities and exacerbating the cost of living for most Kenyans.
The maturity of China-Africa relations was evident in Xi's focused and determined speech. It is now time for serious business, with both partners showing an unwavering commitment to implementing the 10 partnership action plans for their mutual benefit in this new era.
Stephen Ndegwa, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the executive director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank.
