By Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, Director of the China Africa Institute, University of Makeni
September 2024 will mark a pivotal moment for China-Africa relations as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) convenes for its latest summit. This year’s theme, “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” underscores the urgency of collaborative action to address past injustices and shape a more equitable global future.
South-South Cooperation (SSC) remains a cornerstone in this dialogue, aiming to rectify historical wrongs and forge pathways to reconciliation and progress. Both China and Africa, often grouped together as developing nations, have faced significant challenges and inequities on the international stage. The FOCAC summit presents an opportunity for these nations to unite and advocate for their collective interests, countering longstanding hegemonies and fostering mutual development.
The 2024 FOCAC meeting promises to be a year of decisive action. Over the past 24 years, FOCAC has consistently adhered to its principles of mutual planning, building, and benefiting. This year’s agenda reflects a commitment to these principles with a clear roadmap for tangible outcomes. Discussions will cover critical areas including state governance, industrialization, agricultural modernization, and high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation.
A major focus will be on state governance and sovereignty. The forum is expected to address the contentious issue of Taiwan, advocating for its reunification with China and urging Western powers to cease support for Taiwan. Additionally, African nations are encouraged to consider visa-free travel among themselves, similar to Kenya’s recent initiative, to facilitate greater mobility and regional integration.
Trade relations between China and Africa are also on the agenda. Significant reductions in bureaucratic barriers have already improved business interactions, and African entrepreneurs have expressed satisfaction with the Chinese market. The summit will seek to build on these reforms, enhance trade relations, and further streamline processes for African businesses.
Institutional reforms and capacity building are crucial topics as well. The forum will focus on increasing scholarship opportunities for African students in China and expanding skills transfer programs. These initiatives aim to empower Africa’s youthful population and support the continent’s development trajectory.
Another key area of discussion will be food security. The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive plan to help Africa achieve self-sufficiency in food production. With China’s technological expertise and Africa’s arable land, this initiative seeks to transform food security on the continent.
As FOCAC 2024 unfolds, the expectations are high. Both China and Africa must adhere to the outcomes of the summit and implement the agreed-upon strategies to ensure that the partnership continues to drive meaningful progress. This year’s meeting is poised to be a landmark event, potentially redefining China-Africa relations and setting the stage for a more collaborative and prosperous future.
