In a rapidly evolving global landscape marked by shifting power dynamics and increasing economic interdependence, the relationship between Africa and China has emerged as a defining force of 21st-century international relations.
Central to the transformative alliance is the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, established in 2000, which has become the cornerstone of China-Africa diplomacy. Over the years, Focac has played a pivotal role in deepening ties, fostering comprehensive engagement across political, economic, cultural and technological spheres. The last summit underscored the strategic significance of this partnership in shaping the future of both regions.
A Vision of Mutual Prosperity
At the most recent Focac summit, President Xi Jinping articulated an inspiring and forward-looking vision for China-Africa relations, rooted in the concept of “a community with a shared future for mankind”. The vision highlights the interconnectedness of China’s growth and Africa’s development, where the success of one region contributes to the prosperity of the other. Xi’s speech was a call to collective action, emphasising that the future of global prosperity depends on collaborative efforts that transcend traditional power hierarchies.
Xi’s unwavering commitment to Africa was demonstrated through the unveiling of eight major initiatives during the summit. The initiatives span infrastructure development, health-care improvements, educational exchanges, trade facilitation, poverty alleviation, environmental protection, cultural exchanges and peace and security co-operation.
Together, they represent a holistic approach to development that seeks to address the root causes of underdevelopment while fostering sustainable growth. For example, China’s Belt and Road Initiative, which has catalysed significant investment in African infrastructure, is set to further integrate with Focac goals, creating a synergy that could transform Africa’s economic landscape.
African leaders have welcomed China’s approach, which stands in stark contrast to traditional Western aid models that often come with stringent conditions and paternalistic oversight. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted Focac’s instrumental role in addressing Africa’s infrastructure deficit, which has long impeded economic growth.
Chinese investments have not only provided the necessary capital but have also facilitated the transfer of technical expertise, enabling African countries to develop critical infrastructure such as roads, railways, ports and energy projects. The infrastructure is vital for connecting African markets internally and with the global economy, thereby facilitating trade and promoting industrialisation.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasised the importance of technology transfer, noting that China’s advancements in telecommunications, artificial intelligence and renewable energy are helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa.
For instance, China’s involvement in building Africa’s telecommunication infrastructure has been pivotal in expanding internet access, which is essential for modern economic activities. The technological collaboration is not only creating jobs but also fostering innovation, enabling African nations to develop home-grown solutions to their challenges.
The Focac framework has also opened doors for capacity building, with numerous African students receiving scholarships to study in China and professionals benefiting from specialised training programmes.
The educational exchanges are cultivating a new generation of African leaders and professionals who are well-equipped to drive the continent’s development. Moreover, the emphasis on “people-centred development” aligns seamlessly with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a prosperous Africa rooted in inclusive growth and sustainable development.
A Partnership Founded on Respect and Equality
One of the most compelling aspects of Focac is its foundation on equality and mutual respect, distinguishing it from other international co-operation models. Unlike traditional Western aid, which often comes with conditions that infringe on the sovereignty of recipient countries, Focac is guided by principles of non-interference and respect for each nation’s development path. The approach resonates deeply with African leaders, who value the autonomy it grants them in making decisions that best serve their national interests.
Xi’s insistence on “no strings attached” co-operation reflects China’s broader foreign policy philosophy, rooted in the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The principles, which include mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, non-aggression, non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, have found favour in Africa, where historical experiences with colonialism and neo-colonialism have made sovereignty a paramount concern.
Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo praised Focac for upholding the sovereignty of African nations, enabling them to chart their own course of development. This respect for sovereignty extends to the economic sphere, where China supports African countries in developing their industries without dictating policies or imposing structural adjustment programmes. Instead, the relationship is one of partnership, where both sides work together to achieve shared goals.
Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities
While Focac has achieved significant milestones, China and Africa are mindful of the challenges that lie ahead. Debt sustainability is a critical issue, particularly as African countries take on loans to finance large-scale infrastructure projects. Critics of China’s involvement in Africa often raise concerns about a so-called “debt trap”, where countries might struggle to repay loans, leading to potential loss of sovereignty.
However, Chinese and African leaders have consistently denied the claims, emphasising that Focac projects are carefully negotiated to ensure mutual benefit, with debt managed through mechanisms such as debt restructuring and relief.
Environmental sustainability is another pressing concern. As Africa undergoes rapid industrialisation, the need to balance development with environmental protection becomes increasingly important. Xi’s commitment to green development as part of Focac’s agenda is a significant step toward addressing the concerns.
China has pledged to support Africa in transitioning to low-carbon economies, including investments in renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. The initiatives are crucial in ensuring that Africa’s growth does not come at the expense of its rich biodiversity and natural resources.
Moreover, ensuring that communities benefit from Focac projects is essential for the partnership’s long-term success. This involves creating job opportunities for local workers, transferring skills and aligning projects with the development priorities of the host countries. African leaders have emphasised the importance of local content in Focac projects, which not only enhances the sustainability of the initiatives but also ensures that the benefits of development are widely shared.
The Focac partnership stands as a powerful testament to the potential of international co-operation in achieving shared prosperity. As China and Africa continue to strengthen their ties, the future looks increasingly bright for both regions.
The visionary leadership of Xi, combined with the commitment and enthusiasm of African leaders, is paving the way for a new era of development, peace and mutual success. Through Focac, China and Africa are not merely laying the foundations for economic growth — they are building a future rich in opportunity, resilience and shared achievement.
As Focac continues to evolve, it offers a model of international partnership that prioritises equality, respect and shared goals over traditional donor-recipient dynamics. The new model holds promise not only for China and Africa but also for the broader international community, demonstrating the power of collaboration in addressing global challenges and building a more inclusive and prosperous world.
Sikho Matiwane is a seasoned entrepreneur and the founder and director of Matiwane Diplomatic Consulting. He also serves as the chairperson of Global South Affairs. As a diplomatic commentator, he specialises in international relations and geopolitics.