This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Since its launch in 2000, FOCAC has delivered concrete benefits in political trust, trade, infrastructure, education, health, and people-to-people exchanges, while deepening ties between China and Africa. Professor Wang Jinjie, Research Assistant Professor at Peking University's National School of Development and Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development, and Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria look at how this framework has shaped development over the past quarter century.

The evolution of a partnership

Charles Onunaiju characterized FOCAC as a dynamic force:

"FOCAC has been such an incredible platform. It has proven quite nimble in addressing issues relating to African needs, Africa being unable to trade with itself, to connect with itself, has substantially been dealt with under the framework of FOCAC."

Professor Wang outlined a clear trajectory of growth, noting the partnership has evolved "from project-led to institution-led, then to standardized and value chain-led cooperation." She highlighted that the relationship has deepened from political solidarity to a comprehensive strategic partnership, anchored in shared development goals and multilateralism.

Milestones and tangible impacts

For Professor Wang, key milestones include the 2018 Beijing Summit and the recent zero-tariff policy:

"China's unilateral zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries is an important initiative where action is actually being taken."

Charles Onunaiju emphasized FOCAC's role in raising Africa's global profile and addressing the continent's critical need for connectivity:

"From the first electrified railway between Ethiopia and Djibouti, to the Lagos-Ibadan railway, it is all game-changing. FOCAC has delivered tangibles. Previously, what we see is Western actors in refugee camps feeding children with bread. Today, what we see is African technicians comparing notes with their counterparts on construction sites. It is purely revolutionary."

What makes FOCAC distinctive?

Professor Wang described it as a "flagship" initiative, highlighting three distinctive aspects:

The platform approach: Creating a detailed, jointly negotiated action plan with concrete targets.

The norms: Grounded in non-interference and a joint pursuit of modernization.

The vision: A unique emphasis on continental integration and regional public goods.

Charles Onunaiju contrasted FOCAC's reliability with other international partnerships, specifically mentioning the US Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA):

"If you look at what has happened between the European Union, between United States, and between China and Africa, it is very obvious that China-Africa cooperation has been far more reliable, it's been far more stable, it's been far more predictable... AGOA has been more or less politically tainted."

The forum has provided a stable, dynamic, and impactful framework for cooperation. Its success lies in its ability to deliver tangible infrastructure, foster trade diversification, and elevate Africa's role on the global stage.