BEIJING – China and Africa have strengthened their collaborative efforts toward modernization, as Chinese President Xi Jinping announced an upgrade in China-Africa relations and unveiled 10 new partnership initiatives during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) on Thursday.
In his keynote speech, Xi proposed elevating China’s diplomatic relationships with all African nations to the level of strategic relations. He also emphasized the transformation of China-Africa ties into an “all-weather community with a shared future for the new era.”
Vision for Global South Modernization
President Xi highlighted modernization as an “inalienable right of all countries,” asserting that global modernization cannot be achieved without the inclusion of China and Africa. He emphasized that the joint pursuit of modernization between China and Africa would ignite a wave of transformation across the Global South, advancing the shared future of humanity.
Xi outlined a vision for modernization that is equitable, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable, with a strong emphasis on peace and security. His remarks were warmly received by attendees, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who praised China’s longstanding commitment to cooperation with Africa.
“China has a long history of friendship and solidarity with the people of Africa, and we are grateful for its continued support in expanding this spirit of collaboration,” Ramaphosa said.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also praised China’s partnerships with Africa, noting that China’s development experience provides valuable insights for African nations, particularly in trade, finance, and technology.
Xi’s 10 Partnership Actions
To turn the modernization vision into reality, President Xi unveiled a set of 10 partnership actions that will be implemented over the next three years, focusing on key areas such as mutual learning, trade, industrial cooperation, infrastructure connectivity, health, agriculture, green development, and security.
Mutual Learning Among Civilizations: China will establish platforms for governance exchange, build a China-Africa knowledge network, and create 25 centers for China-Africa studies. Additionally, 1,000 African political party members will be invited to China for governance exchange programs.
Trade Prosperity: China will open its markets wider to Africa, offering zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for the least developed African countries. This step makes China the first major economy to offer such concessions, turning its vast market into a significant opportunity for Africa.
Industrial Cooperation: China plans to strengthen its industrial ties with Africa by advancing the Pilot Zone for China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation and launching an empowerment program for African small and medium enterprises (SMEs). A China-Africa digital technology cooperation center and 20 digital demonstration projects will also be established.
Infrastructure Connectivity: China will support the development of 30 infrastructure projects across Africa, with a focus on promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation.
Development Cooperation: China will release a joint statement with Africa on deepening cooperation under the Global Development Initiative and implement 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects.
Health Partnership: China will establish a hospital alliance with Africa, send 2,000 medical personnel, and launch 20 health facility and malaria treatment programs.
Agriculture and Livelihoods: China will provide 1 billion yuan (approximately $140 million USD) in emergency food assistance, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa Agricultural Science and Technology Innovation Alliance. The goal is to encourage investment, add value locally, and create 1 million jobs in Africa.
People-to-People Exchanges: China will set up an engineering technology academy and build 10 Luban Workshops, providing 60,000 training opportunities for African citizens, with a focus on women and youth.
Green Development: China will launch 30 clean energy projects, establish a China-Africa forum on peaceful nuclear technology, create 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and space exploration.
Common Security: China aims to enhance security collaboration with Africa under the Global Security Initiative (GSI) and will provide 1 billion yuan in military assistance.
Financial Support and Strategic Commitments
To implement these initiatives, the Chinese government has pledged 360 billion yuan in financial support over the next three years. The summit concluded with the adoption of a declaration on building an all-weather China-Africa community and an action plan outlining the roadmap for the next three years.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye commended President Xi’s new measures, calling them “further proof of China’s determination to elevate China-Africa cooperation to unprecedented heights.”
With these comprehensive partnerships, China and Africa are set to deepen their collaboration in a range of areas, creating new opportunities for development, technological innovation, and shared prosperity across both regions.
