The summit, which has become a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, was lauded for its transformative impact, as both regions continue to advance modernization and build a community with a shared future.
President Xi's keynote address, titled "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future," set the tone for the summit.
He called for the elevation of bilateral relations between China and African nations to the level of strategic partnerships.
Xi emphasized that relations should evolve into an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future," underscoring the enduring nature of the collaboration between the two regions.
The President reinforced this commitment by announcing RMB 360 billion (USD 50.7 billion) in financial support for Africa over the next three years, aimed at bolstering ten key partnership actions across multiple sectors.
In response, African leaders expressed their appreciation for China's continued support and shared their vision for the future of China-Africa relations.
As Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the outgoing co-chair of FOCAC, pointed out, 'The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has become a model of effective partnership based on dialogue and mutual respect.'
He also praised China's Belt and Road Initiative, which has expanded Africa's infrastructure in critical sectors like ports, airports, highways, and railways.
Further emphasizing this cooperative spirit, Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union, highlighted that the China-Africa partnership is built on more than just economic exchanges.
"It is primarily based on a strong sharing of visions and positions, such as the belief in a community with a shared future for mankind and the need to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development," he remarked.
Ghazouani noted that the partnership framework offered by FOCAC enables both regions to develop new paths for solidarity and cooperation, creating a foundation for mutual benefit.
As African countries navigate their development journey, infrastructure remains a key priority.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa stressed the importance of this in his address, noting, "Whenever the need arises, the people of the world reach out to one another in the name of common humanity. This is what brings African countries and China together under FOCAC."
Ramaphosa praised the growth of China-Africa trade, which reached USD 282.1 billion in 2023, marking an 11% increase since 2021. He also welcomed China's proposal to elevate bilateral relations to a strategic level, viewing it as a reflection of China's deep commitment to its partnership with Africa.
Apart from trade, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), introduced by President Xi Jinping, became a platform connecting nations and building a shared future.
Over 50 African countries have joined the BRI, embracing the rewards of improved infrastructure, reduced unemployment, and expanded trade opportunities.
Driven by the BRI, Chinese companies have undertaken awe-inspiring infrastructure projects in Africa. Within 23 years, they have constructed or upgraded more than 10,000 kilometers of railways, nearly 100,000 kilometers of roads, approximately 1,000 bridges, and 100 ports.
These transformative projects enhanced trade and created over 4.5 million jobs, breathing new life into African communities.
Building on this theme of shared development, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu emphasized the alignment between China's Belt and Road Initiative and Africa's infrastructure goals under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, noting, 'This partnership offers even greater promise for the future.'
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan echoed these sentiments, describing China as a true partner in Africa's fight against poverty and its pursuit of prosperity.
'These partnership actions will support China and Africa in strengthening cooperation in various fields and advancing modernization together,' she remarked.
Suluhu's words reflected the broad consensus among African leaders on the significance of the initiatives proposed by President Xi, which include cooperation in education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.
Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso, who succeeded his Senegalese counterpart as FOCAC co-chair, reflected on the importance of collaboration for modernization and peace.
"Africa and China are growing closer based on shared history, values, and solidarity," he remarked.
He expressed hope that FOCAC would continue to play a key role in global governance, helping to address Africa's development challenges through intensified trade and investment.
At the global level, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres praised China's role in promoting South-South cooperation, stating, 'China's remarkable rapid development, including eradicating poverty, provides a wealth of experience and expertise.'
He emphasized that Africa stands to benefit significantly from China's support, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and technology.
Following the opening ceremony, Rwandan President Paul Kagame, co-chaired a high-level meeting on governance, in which heads of state shared experiences and offered further insights into the broader China-Africa relationship.
President Kagame said that Africa needs partners who value people's cooperation and emphasized Africa's readiness to enhance political, trade, and investment partnerships with China.
Since its inception in 2000, FOCAC has moved between major African and Chinese cities, consistently strengthening the bond between the two regions. This year's summit reaffirmed FOCAC's status as a cornerstone of South-South cooperation and a platform for fostering long-term development and prosperity for both Africa and China.
Théophile Niyitegeka
Source : https://en.igihe.com/news/article/focac-2024-a-turning-point-in-china-africa-relations
