The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, held from September 4-6, 2024, in Beijing, marks a major turning point in the longstanding relationship between China and the African continent. The high-level event was attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping, along with leaders and representatives from 53 African nations, as well as Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission. Notable international guests, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, also participated. Under the theme of “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and a High-level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” the summit reinforced China and Africa’s mutual commitment to deeper cooperation across political, economic, and social spheres.
Two major declarations emerged from the summit—the “Beijing Declaration” and a comprehensive “Action Plan”—which together outline the roadmap for China-Africa cooperation in the years to come. These agreements signify an ever-growing strategic partnership aimed at addressing common challenges, fostering development, and promoting regional peace and security.
A Partnership Evolving Over Time
Since its inception in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has grown into one of the most significant platforms for fostering China-Africa relations. Over the years, the relationship has expanded from a largely trade-based partnership to one that now encompasses a broad array of areas, including infrastructure, public health, education, green development, and regional security. The 2024 summit was the ninth in the series, reaffirming the robust commitment of both China and Africa to sustaining this vital relationship.
One of the standout aspects of this year’s summit was the depth of bilateral interactions between President Xi and African leaders. These meetings laid the groundwork for enhanced strategic alliances and fostered discussions on pressing regional and global issues. By engaging in these dialogues, China signaled its intention to build what it calls an “All-weather Community with a Shared Future” with African nations, cementing its long-term involvement in the continent’s modernization process.
Key Initiatives: President Xi’s Six-Point Proposal
A major highlight of the 2024 FOCAC summit was President Xi Jinping’s Six-Point Proposal, which serves as the foundation for future China-Africa cooperation. The proposal outlines the following principles:
- Inclusivity and Openness in Modernization: Modernization should benefit all and promote fairness, without discrimination, ensuring that everyone shares in its rewards.
- Win-win Outcomes: Cooperation between China and Africa should be mutually beneficial, with both parties gaining economically, politically, and socially.
- People-centric Development: The aim of modernization should be to improve the quality of life for people, focusing on their core needs and well-being.
- Respect for Diversity: Modernization efforts should respect the unique cultural, social, and economic backgrounds of each nation, ensuring inclusivity.
- Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility: Green development and the promotion of clean technologies are vital for future cooperation, emphasizing sustainable practices.
- Peace and Security as Fundamental: Stability is essential for modernization, and China and Africa should collaborate to maintain regional and global peace.
These principles reflect a shared vision that focuses on long-term cooperation, sustainable development, and inclusive growth.
Three-Year Plan for Comprehensive Cooperation
Another major outcome of the 2024 summit was the unveiling of an ambitious three-year plan aimed at deepening China-Africa relations in critical areas. Key sectors of focus include trade, infrastructure development, agriculture, public health, and green energy.
China’s financial commitments during the summit were substantial. President Xi announced that China would provide RMB 360 billion (approximately $5.14 billion) in financial assistance over the next three years. This assistance includes RMB 210 billion in credit lines, RMB 80 billion in other forms of financial support, and RMB 70 billion in direct investments by Chinese firms into Africa. These funds are expected to stimulate job creation—China has committed to generating over one million new jobs in Africa—and promote trade, including zero-tariff treatment for exports from Africa’s least developed countries.
Such massive financial commitments reflect China’s desire to foster long-term growth and industrial development in Africa, reinforcing the two regions’ mutual interests.
Tackling the “Debt Trap” Allegations
One issue that has frequently cast a shadow over China’s involvement in Africa is the criticism from Western nations accusing China of engaging in “debt trap diplomacy.” Detractors argue that China’s loans and infrastructure projects burden African nations with unsustainable debt. However, President Xi addressed these concerns directly during the summit, rejecting the “debt trap” narrative.
Citing figures from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), he emphasized that Chinese bilateral loans constitute just 12% of Africa’s total external debt. Many African leaders, too, pushed back against the criticism, highlighting how Chinese investments have accelerated infrastructure development and economic growth on the continent. From major highways and railways to energy projects, China’s involvement has been instrumental in driving Africa’s modernization.
Strategic Cooperation: Key Agreements
Several key strategic agreements were signed at the 2024 summit, which further define the direction of China-Africa cooperation in the coming years:
- Infrastructure Development: China pledged to undertake 30 major infrastructure projects across Africa, including the modernization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) and the development of industrial parks, ports, and transport networks.
- Trade and Industrial Chains: Efforts will be made to strengthen local value chains, particularly in the processing of critical minerals. China also aims to empower African small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), helping them integrate into global supply chains.
- Public Health and Social Welfare: China committed to deploying 2000 health professionals to Africa, setting up joint medical centers, and implementing 20 health programs to bolster public health infrastructure.
- Green Development: In a bid to combat climate change, China will support 30 renewable energy and environmental projects across the continent. These initiatives will focus on clean energy and sustainability, in line with Africa’s own green development goals.
- Security Cooperation: China will continue to assist African nations in maintaining regional security by training 6000 African military personnel and providing RMB 1 billion in military grants. This security assistance is seen as critical to safeguarding Chinese infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Responding to Africa’s Needs
The outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC summit align with Africa’s developmental priorities, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to transform the continent into a global powerhouse of the future. China’s commitment to supporting regional integration, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), is a major step toward achieving these long-term goals.
The partnership also extends to social sectors, such as public health and education, areas in which China’s investments are seen as crucial for Africa’s human development. With these initiatives, China is positioning itself as a key partner in Africa’s quest for self-reliance and sustainable growth.
A Shared Future
The 2024 FOCAC summit stands as a landmark event, reinforcing China’s deepening ties with Africa and laying the groundwork for continued cooperation. The ambitious action plans and strategic agreements reached at the summit reflect a shared vision of mutual prosperity, with both sides committed to building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.
As the world order continues to evolve, particularly in the context of shifting global alliances and emerging economic powers, China and Africa’s partnership will likely play an increasingly significant role in shaping global development. For Africa, China offers an alternative model of partnership based on mutual respect, non-interference, and shared benefits, helping the continent realize its developmental aspirations.
In conclusion, the 2024 FOCAC summit not only solidified China’s position as a key player in Africa’s modernization but also highlighted the potential for deeper, more equitable cooperation in the years to come. Both regions are poised to face future challenges together, working toward a vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable future.
