The 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is set to take place in Beijing, marking another pivotal moment in the longstanding partnership between China and African nations. Held every three years, FOCAC serves as a comprehensive platform for dialogue and practical cooperation, aiming to foster stability and sustainable growth across the continent.
African leaders are preparing to strengthen strategic partnerships with China, focusing on enhancing regional and multilateral cooperation to support global peace and security. Key areas of collaboration include the green and blue economies, agriculture, technology, and infrastructure development. These initiatives are designed to derive mutual benefits from the summit and leverage China's role in post-conflict reconstruction efforts.
In 2021, China and Africa co-developed the China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035, aligning with the Africa Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the national development strategies of various African countries. This vision emphasizes sustainable economic and social development, job creation, poverty alleviation, improved education, enhanced water and power supply facilities, and the promotion of peace, inclusive growth, and industrialization. Additionally, it advocates for green, low-carbon, and digital development alongside renewable energy cooperation.
China's infrastructure projects, including highways, railways, ports, bridges, and submarine cables, have impacted over 900 million Africans through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Projects like water-saving pilot areas in Mauritania, Nigeria, and Ethiopia are benefiting local communities, while the implementation of Juncao grass technology is generating green jobs in countries such as Kenya and Rwanda.
Addressing the energy crisis and climate change vulnerabilities in Africa, green development remains a focal point at the FOCAC summit. China has introduced several clean energy projects, including the Garissa Solar Power Station in Kenya and the Kaleta Hydropower Station in Guinea, helping to alleviate energy shortages. These efforts are expected to accelerate Africa's transition to clean energy and strengthen its capacity to tackle climate challenges.
Moreover, China's investment in Africa's digital infrastructure and connectivity through the BRI is modernizing the continent's digital landscape. Companies like Huawei and ZTE have played significant roles in expanding mobile and internet access, facilitating economic activities, and promoting social development and digital inclusion.
The expansion of collaboration to artificial intelligence is projected to boost Africa's GDP by $2.9 trillion by 2030. Through the China-Africa internet development and digital cooperation forums, expertise in digital development and information and communication technology is being shared, driving the continent's digitalization and supporting poverty alleviation efforts by building digital capacity.
Reference(s):
China builds conditions for Africa's stability and sustainable growth
cgtn.com
