As the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) wrapped up in Beijing, leaders from many nations applauded its success and spoke excitedly about its future.

A "new world order" is already well underway and it's one in which “Africa will play a greater role," said Emmerson Mnangagwa, president of Zimbabwe, in an exclusive interview with Tian Wei, the host of CGTN's program World Insight.

"I should say that there is now a transition to a new world order, and those don't see it, they are blind," said the president. He added that everyone should be friendly during this time, "but those who choose not to be, we have no cause to have trouble with them. We will continue to consolidate the goodwill which we are receiving from other capitals in the world."

"In the past Africa was disregarded by the developed world as a backward continent, but now those who continue to regard Africa as a place they should not concern themselves with, then they're remaining behind," Mnangagwa said. "Africa in the few decades to come, will be a continent that will play a significant role in the affairs of the world, both economically and politically."

Regarding the significance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Mnangagwa said it's a "vision which many people may not see." However, the president said he and other Zimbabweans see the vision and it shows a bright future for the continent.

World Insight with Tian Wei is a 45-minute global affairs and debate show on CGTN. It airs weekdays at 10:15 p.m. BJT (1415GMT) with rebroadcasts at 4:15 a.m. BJT (20:15GMT)

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