The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has significantly enhanced China-Africa relations, making substantial strides in development, trade, and cultural exchange. As the executive director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute, Dennis Munene Mwaniki, observes, the upcoming 2024 FOCAC summit is poised to further deepen these relations. This summit will be especially significant against the backdrop of global anti-globalization trends, political instability, and the retreat of democracies. Mwaniki believes that through enhanced collaboration, China, African countries, and other nations in the Global South can navigate these challenges and foster deeper cooperation for shared development and prosperity.
Mwaniki expresses high expectations for the 2024 FOCAC summit, seeing it as a pivotal moment to enhance cooperation in various critical sectors. He notes that the summit will likely focus on advancing agricultural technologies, which are crucial for food security and economic development in Africa. By leveraging China’s experience in agricultural innovation, African countries can boost their agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food supply chains. This cooperation aligns with the broader objective of empowering Africa to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on food imports.
One of the key areas of cooperation highlighted by Mwaniki is the “green silk road,” an initiative aimed at promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation. Africa, rich in renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, and hydro, presents significant opportunities for green energy development. The 2024 FOCAC summit will provide a platform to strengthen partnerships that help African countries harness these resources, thereby contributing to the global fight against climate change. Through this green partnership, China and Africa can create sustainable energy solutions that drive economic growth while protecting the environment.
Mwaniki also emphasizes the importance of the “health silk road” in improving Africa’s healthcare systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the vulnerabilities of health infrastructures globally, particularly in Africa. The 2024 summit offers an opportunity to build on existing health cooperation initiatives, ensuring that African countries have access to the necessary medical technologies, expertise, and infrastructure to deal with current and future health challenges. Strengthening health systems will not only improve the well-being of African populations but also enhance the continent’s overall resilience.
In the digital age, access to global markets is crucial for economic growth. The “digital silk road” initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and promote greater integration of African economies into the global digital economy. Mwaniki points out that the 2024 FOCAC summit will be instrumental in expanding Africa’s digital infrastructure, enhancing internet connectivity, and fostering digital skills. By partnering with China, African nations can tap into global e-commerce markets, attract foreign investment, and create new economic opportunities for their populations.
At the core of the FOCAC framework is the commitment to knowledge sharing and mutual learning. Mwaniki stresses that China and Africa are dedicated to adopting practical measures that prioritize development based on mutual respect and learning. This approach allows both regions to benefit from each other’s experiences and expertise, leading to more innovative and effective development strategies. The 2024 summit will likely see the implementation of programs that facilitate the exchange of knowledge across various sectors, from technology to education, empowering both China and Africa to achieve their development goals.
The vision of a fair and multipolar world is central to the China-Africa partnership. Mwaniki believes that through FOCAC, China and African countries can contribute to building a global order that supports inclusive economic globalization and addresses development gaps. The summit will serve as a platform to advocate for reforms in the international financial system, ensuring that it is more equitable and conducive to the development needs of all countries, particularly those in the Global South. This aligns with the broader goal of fostering common development and prosperity.
The 2024 FOCAC summit is expected to align its goals with international initiatives and national development plans to promote high-quality and sustainable development. Mwaniki highlights that both China and African countries aim to activate domestic growth through effective market mechanisms and proactive governance. By doing so, they can ensure that economic growth is not only robust but also inclusive and environmentally sustainable. This approach will help African countries build resilient economies capable of withstanding global economic fluctuations.
Security is a prerequisite for development, and Mwaniki notes that the summit will address both traditional and non-traditional security threats. Issues such as terrorism, cybersecurity, and public health emergencies require coordinated efforts and robust security frameworks. By collaborating on security matters, China and African countries can create a secure development environment that fosters stability and peace, essential for sustainable growth. The 2024 FOCAC summit will likely see the development of joint security initiatives that strengthen regional and global security.
Beyond bilateral cooperation, the 2024 FOCAC summit will see China, African countries, and other Global South nations working together to address major global issues. Mwaniki underscores that these countries share a common history of anti-imperialism and a collective aspiration for freedom and development. By joining forces, they can present a united front on issues such as climate change, poverty alleviation, and global health, ensuring that their voices are heard in the international arena.
The FOCAC framework fosters solidarity among Global South countries, allowing them to support each other’s diverse development paths. Mwaniki asserts that this cooperation is vital for ensuring that all citizens experience true modernization aligned with their unique aspirations. The 2024 summit will emphasize the importance of respecting each country’s development model, promoting policies that are tailored to local contexts, and enhancing South-South cooperation as a driving force for global development.
Cultural and people-to-people exchanges are a cornerstone of the China-Africa relationship. The 2024 FOCAC summit is expected to further promote these exchanges, deepening mutual understanding and strengthening the bonds between the peoples of China and Africa. Mwaniki believes that such interactions foster cultural appreciation, build trust, and create a solid foundation for long-term cooperation. Educational exchanges, cultural festivals, and tourism will be key components of this people-centered approach.
Youth and women are essential drivers of development, and their empowerment is critical for the success of the China-Africa partnership. Mwaniki emphasizes that the 2024 summit will prioritize initiatives that empower these groups, providing them with education, skills training, and entrepreneurial opportunities. By investing in the future generations, China and Africa can ensure sustainable development and create societies that are inclusive and equitable. The focus on youth and women aligns with the broader goal of human-centered development.
Innovation and technology are at the heart of modern development. Mwaniki notes that the 2024 FOCAC summit will highlight the role of innovation in driving economic growth and addressing development challenges. By leveraging Chinese expertise in technology, African countries can enhance their innovation capacities, improve productivity, and develop new industries. The summit will likely focus on areas such as digital economy, smart agriculture, and technological research, paving the way for a more innovative and prosperous future.
The 2024 FOCAC summit represents a significant opportunity to elevate China-Africa cooperation to new heights. As Mwaniki envisions, the summit will foster deeper collaboration in critical areas such as agriculture, green energy, health, and digital economy, while also addressing global challenges and promoting a fair international order. By working together, China, African countries, and the Global South can build a future that is more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable for all. The summit will not only strengthen the bonds between China and Africa but also contribute to the broader goal of global peace and development.
