Forging a shared future: The evolving landscape of China-Africa cooperation

Editor's note: Wang Huiyao, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is the founder and president of the Center for China and Globalization. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

China-Africa cooperation has evolved significantly in recent decades. From infrastructure projects to economic partnerships and cultural exchanges, this relationship has grown to encompass a wide range of mutually beneficial initiatives. As both regions face global challenges, their collaboration is increasingly shaping international development and governance.

During the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in Beijing last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled 10 partnership action plans with Africa. He also proposed elevating the overall characterization of China-Africa relations to an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era." These governmental and civil exchange activities underscore the potential and vitality of China-Africa cooperation.

The history of China-Africa cooperation dates back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Following the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the nature of international cooperation and trade between China and Africa evolved significantly.

In the early years of the PRC, China provided support to Africa while seeking political backing from African nations. Within the limits of its economic capacity, China offered aid to Third World countries, emphasizing unconditional assistance. One of the most iconic projects during this period was the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. To facilitate this project, the Chinese government provided an interest-free loan of 988 million yuan (about $400 million) and shipped nearly 1 million tons of equipment and materials. The railway system, known as the "Railway of Freedom," made significant contributions to the socio-economic development of Tanzania and Zambia, as well as to national liberation movements in southern Africa. Such projects garnered high praise from Africa and provided China with crucial support during the Cold War, a period when China faced international blockades. This support played a vital role in restoring the PRC's legitimate seat in the United Nations.

Following the implementation of China's reform and opening-up policy, the country's focus shifted towards economic development, leading to remarkable achievements. Consequently, China's investment in African projects began to reflect some features of its domestic development model. For instance, there was a strong emphasis on infrastructure. Over the past two decades, China, as the largest investor in African infrastructure, has been involved in more than 200 projects across the continent. These include the construction of approximately 30,000 kilometers of highways, 2,000 kilometers of railways, ports with an annual throughput capacity exceeding 85 million tons, and more than 30,000 kilometers of power transmission lines. Additionally, Chinese investors have widely adopted the "industrial park" model that emerged in the early stages of China's reform and opening-up. By 2021, African nations had built or co-developed 237 industrial parks, with nearly 60 of these planned, constructed or operated by Chinese companies. The success of this model has provided new momentum for industrialization on the African continent.

Moreover, cooperation between China and Africa has expanded into new areas, with green initiatives emerging as a significant focus. Leveraging Africa's abundant sustainable energy resources and China's advanced technology, 19 South-South cooperation memorandums of understanding on climate change have been signed between China and 17 African countries. Since 2021, China has participated in the construction of more than 120 African climate projects. This thriving green cooperation is a result of both China and Africa actively seizing opportunities presented by the new wave of technological revolution in clean energy and green development.

The moral dimension of China-Africa cooperation has also evolved in the 21st century. For instance, in late 2008, China deployed naval escort fleets to the Gulf of Aden to ensure the safety of maritime navigation in the region. In 2014, China dispatched medical teams to Liberia to combat the Ebola outbreak. By the end of 2019, China had deployed peacekeeping forces or observers to seven African regions. These actions reflect not only a continuation of the traditional moral responsibility in China-Africa cooperation but also a rare success in public security collaboration within the broader framework of global and regional cooperation.

China-Africa cooperation serves as a significant microcosm of China's promotion of global and regional cooperation. Africa, a youthful continent with the world's largest concentration of developing countries, is rich in natural resources and boasts a vast labor force. However, due to the legacy of colonial rule and historical challenges, many African nations continue to face obstacles in converting their valuable resources into economic gains. As the world's largest developing country, China's collaboration with Africa not only aligns with global development trends but also reflects China's responsibility and commitment to helping Africa overcome its developmental challenges.

China is not only strengthening its bilateral cooperation with Africa but also collaborating with countries in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development such as the United States and Japan to assist African nations in resource development. The international community must work together to help Africa achieve sustainable development. This effort also includes maintaining peace and stability across the continent. Key actions include preventing civil wars, such as the conflict in Sudan, and ensuring the security of vital routes like the Red Sea, which could create a stable foundation for Africa's prosperity and stability.

China's economic aid to Africa sets a compelling precedent for global cooperation. For instance, China has repeatedly canceled debt for Africa's least developed countries, relieving their financial burdens. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) further strengthens this commitment, pledging 360 billion yuan in financial support over the next three years, including credit lines, various forms of assistance, and direct investment from Chinese companies. This comprehensive package promises to catalyze industrial development, enhance infrastructure, and boost technological innovation across Africa.

During a seminar co-hosted by the Center for China and Globalization and Development Reimagined, entitled "Reimagining the Current Global Governance System to Work for Africa and Prospects for China-Africa Cooperation" in late August, diplomats, representatives of international organizations, think tank experts, and scholars from both China and African nations had discussions and reached a consensus on how China-Africa cooperation could play a more significant role in global governance.

As this partnership evolves, it is set to become a model for South-South collaboration, driving sustainable economic progress and fostering a more equitable global order.

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