The 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit is currently underway in Beijing, with Chinese President Xi Jinping hosting leaders from over two dozen African nations. The summit, running from September 4 to 6, 2024, focuses on strengthening China-Africa ties and promoting cooperation in various sectors under the theme ‘Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future’.Xi Jinping has held bilateral meetings with several African leaders, emphasizing cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, energy, digital economy, and mineral resources. Notable outcomes include the elevation of bilateral relations to comprehensive strategic partnerships with countries like Nigeria, and expressions of support for nations facing challenges, such as Zimbabwe’s struggle against ‘illegal sanctions’.The summit aims to adopt an action plan for 2024-2027 and address pressing issues such as debt sustainability and increased trade. China’s approach appears to be shifting towards ‘small and beautiful projects’ and promoting green technologies, technology transfer schemes, and people-to-people exchanges. This shift comes as China recalibrates its engagement with Africa in the face of domestic economic challenges and geopolitical concerns.African leaders are seeking quicker financing solutions to the continent’s growing debt crisis, fresh job-creating investment pledges, and better terms for agricultural and natural resources exports. They are also looking to encourage Chinese firms to set up manufacturing hubs in their countries, supporting industrialization and economic diversification efforts.The summit takes place against a backdrop of increasing competition between the United States and China for influence in Africa. Despite this, China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $167.8 billion in the first half of 2024. However, Chinese loans to African countries have decreased significantly from their peak in 2016, reflecting a more cautious approach to investment.As the summit progresses, it remains to be seen how these new partnerships and agreements will shape the future of China-Africa relations, particularly in the context of global economic challenges and shifting geopolitical dynamics.
Key points
- The 9th FOCAC Summit is being held in Beijing, focusing on modernization and building a high-level China-Africa community.
- China is shifting towards ‘small and beautiful projects’ and promoting green technologies in its engagement with Africa.
- African leaders are seeking quicker financing solutions, fresh investment pledges, and better terms for exports.
- The summit aims to adopt an action plan for 2024-2027 and address issues such as debt sustainability.
Contradictions👾While some sources emphasize China’s continued strong engagement with Africa, others suggest a recalibration of China’s approach due to economic challenges and geopolitical concerns.
