FOCAC: SHAPING THE FUTURE OF CHINA-AFRICA RELATIONS.

 

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) creates a platform for mutual growth and collaboration, benefiting both Africa and China. Through improved infrastructure, trade, and investment, FOCAC supports African economies while expanding China's engagement in global partnerships. Both regions benefit from shared modernization goals, job creation, and strategic partnerships, encouraging a prosperous, interdependent future built on mutual respect and sustainable development.

 

1. Introduction.

 

Established in 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) acts as a strategic forum for improving relations between China and African countries. This effort was designed to create a structured dialogue, addressing shared concerns and opportunities in trade, investment, infrastructure development, and diplomatic engagement. Over the years, FOCAC has become an important framework in supporting economic ties and encouraging mutual development between Africa and China, opening the path for increased South-South cooperation. With its comprehensive approach, FOCAC provides a basis for collaboration aimed at promoting prosperity on both sides.

 

As Eleanor Roosevelt wisely stated, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” FOCAC reflects this vision by empowering both Africa and China to pursue their shared dreams of economic growth, modernization, and global relevance. FOCAC operates in a dynamic geopolitical and economic environment, influenced by rapid globalization, shifting power balances, and the growing role of emerging economies. Africa, with its rich natural resources and young population, has become an increasingly attractive partner for China, whose global economic influence continues to expand. For African countries, FOCAC presents an opportunity to advance infrastructure, trade, and industrialization, aligning with national development goals. By promoting dialogue and coordination, FOCAC supports Africa’s pursuit of modernization while creating avenues for Chinese investments in various sectors.

 

Since its inception, FOCAC has facilitated numerous achievements that have left a lasting impact on Africa-China relations. From large-scale infrastructure projects like railways and ports to increased trade and investment, FOCAC has been instrumental in reshaping Africa's economic conditions. Moreover, educational and cultural exchanges, healthcare programs, and technology transfers have built social ties and promoted sustainable development. These milestones represent the forum’s capacity to deliver tangible benefits, raising its status as one of the main channels for China’s engagement with the African continent.

 

At its essence, FOCAC is more than an economic agreement since it is a framework for diplomatic cooperation that prioritizes mutual respect and equality between partners. As part of the broader South-South cooperation movement, FOCAC recognizes the importance of developing countries working together to address shared challenges, such as poverty alleviation, industrialization, and climate change. Through this partnership, Africa and China aim to create a collaborative model that promotes long-term growth, mutual development, and an improved global position for both regions.

 

2. A Journey of Collaboration.

 

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) was established as a joint effort by China and African nations, responding to a historical need to improve Sino-African relations. With roots in long-standing cooperation, the rapid expansion of ties in the 1990s and the growing global cooperation mechanisms between Africa and other countries prompted the creation of FOCAC. Economic globalization opened new doors for engagement, and both African and Chinese governments played an important role in bringing the forum to fruition, aimed at tackling contemporary challenges and creating a space for consultation.

 

China’s economic reforms, particularly after 1978, led to greater interest from Chinese enterprises in Africa. By the mid-1990s, China introduced concessional loans to encourage investment, with the Export-Import Bank of China (Exim Bank) becoming a key player. During high-profile visits to African nations, Chinese leaders promoted new forms of cooperation, resulting in intergovernmental agreements. This momentum continued when President Jiang Zemin, during his 1996 visit to Africa, laid the groundwork for a lasting China-Africa relationship, focusing on economic cooperation for the 21st century.

 

As the 21st century approached, both China and African nations felt the need for a structured platform to advance their relations. African leaders, feeling the need for more meaningful partnerships compared to past engagements, saw China as a committed and reliable partner. Their proposal for a multilateral cooperation mechanism, supported by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, led to the first FOCAC ministerial conference in 2000. The conference aimed to balance political and economic interests while focusing on achieving tangible results and promoting joint development between China and Africa.

 

African nations eagerly welcomed the opportunity to participate in FOCAC, prioritizing the importance of institutionalization, efficiency, and concrete follow-up actions. They pushed for the forum to focus on South-South cooperation, making sure it tackled unique African concerns that were often overlooked in other global partnerships. African representatives also urged the need for tangible projects, such as funds for development, infrastructure support, and technology transfer, while maintaining a spirit of mutual respect and equality throughout the process.

 

2.1. Structure and Purpose.

 

Serving as a multilateral platform for dialogue and collaboration, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) brings together China and 53 African nations, excluding eSwatini due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan. FOCAC operates through structured mechanisms, including ministerial conferences that take place every three years, alternating between China and an African country. The Senior Officials Follow-up Meeting and the Senior Officials Preparatory Meeting for the Ministerial Conference are held in the same year as the Ministerial Conference. Additionally, consultations between the African Diplomatic Corps in China and the Secretariat of the Chinese Follow-up Committee occur at least twice a year.

 

Each FOCAC summit involves two fundamental components. The first is China's commitment to making large-scale, continent-wide pledges to African countries. These promises, typically announced within the official “Declaration” of the meeting or through speeches by China's top representatives, confirm the establishment of a new type of strategic partnership between China and Africa, focusing on financial and developmental support. The second component identifies the main areas of collaboration, which guide the implementation of these pledges. These priorities are outlined in the “Action Plan,” providing a detailed road map for China-Africa cooperation and directing ongoing efforts across sectors such as trade, health, and infrastructure.

 

These meetings provide a space for both sides to discuss mutual interests, set long-term goals, and review progress in various sectors. The structure of FOCAC guarantees that the voices of African nations are included in decision-making, focusing on equality, consensus, and pragmatic outcomes. The framework builds diplomatic ties and creates a collaborative environment to tackle shared challenges.

 

Beyond its main framework, FOCAC also includes several sub-forums that cater to specific aspects of the China-Africa partnership. These sub-forums focus on various areas of shared interest and cooperation, including the China-Africa People’s Forum, China-Africa Young Leaders Forum, Ministerial Forum on China-Africa Health Cooperation, and the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum. Such platforms provide avenues for engagement in specialized fields, encouraging more comprehensive collaboration in areas like poverty reduction, agriculture, local governance, legal affairs, and media cooperation.

 

2.2. Growth and Engagement.

 

FOCAC’s primary aim is to promote economic cooperation, mutual development, and stronger diplomatic relationships between China and African nations. Joint efforts prioritize improving infrastructure, increasing trade, and reducing economic disparities in both regions. Through concessional loans, development funds, and investment channels, China and Africa collaborate to build necessary infrastructure, boost industrial capacity, and improve technological capabilities. The partnership is driven by a mutual goal of delivering tangible benefits, particularly in poverty reduction and sustainable development for both sides.

 

Alongside economic cooperation, FOCAC places a strong emphasis on human resource development and cultural exchange. Recognizing that true progress involves more than economic achievements, the forum promotes educational exchange, vocational training, and skills development programs. These efforts equip both Chinese and African nations with the expertise needed to meet their development goals while building closer people-to-people connections. Ultimately, FOCAC aims to create a balanced framework that integrates political collaboration with economic projects for the shared prosperity of both regions.

 

3. Strategic Milestones.

 

Established to develop economic, political, and social ties, FOCAC has become a platform for cooperation between China and African nations. Since its inception, it has grown into one of the most active frameworks for pursuing mutual interests, with regular engagement through summits and meetings. The forum has supported China’s involvement in areas such as infrastructure development, technology transfer, and poverty reduction across Africa, while offering African countries a means for broadening trade, attracting investments, and accessing concessional loans. Through its programs, FOCAC has influenced Africa’s development path, aligning with China’s foreign policy of non-interference and respect for sovereignty. Over two decades, this partnership has grown, with Africa playing an increasingly important role in global governance and contributing to the Belt and Road Initiative.

 

The series of FOCAC summits has produced meaningful results that have reshaped China-Africa relations. From initial trade agreements and financial pledges to the implementation of large-scale development projects, the forum has expanded its scope beyond bilateral cooperation. This includes collaboration on global challenges such as health crises, climate change, and security threats. As a result, FOCAC represents the shared ambitions of both regions to create a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous global order.

 

3.1. Early Developments.

 

The inaugural FOCAC meeting, held in Beijing from October 10-12, 2000, brought together leaders from China and African nations. This forum represented a shift in China's foreign policy toward Africa, prioritizing mutual development and cooperation. The first meeting laid the groundwork for China’s commitment to provide aid, debt relief, and investments in infrastructure projects across Africa, creating a framework for long-term partnership. The second FOCAC summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in December 2003, expanded upon the initial promises of aid and economic support. During this summit, China pledged to further open its markets to African goods, offering tariff-free imports from Africa’s least developed countries (LDCs), and increasing agricultural cooperation.

 

3.2. Building Alliances.

 

The third FOCAC summit, held in Beijing in 2006, brought China-Africa relations to a new stage. Chinese President Hu Jintao announced a $5 billion China-Africa Development Fund, along with $3 billion in preferential loans and $2 billion in export buyer credits. Additionally, China pledged to double its 2006 assistance to Africa by 2009, further defining China's role as a leading development partner.  The fourth summit, held in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt in 2009, occurred during the global financial crisis. Despite this, China renewed its commitments, offering an additional $10 billion in concessional loans to African countries, with efforts directed toward infrastructure and green energy projects. This summit also introduced the “Eight New Measures” to boost trade and economic cooperation, covering areas like debt relief, market access, clean energy support, agriculture, healthcare, education, cultural exchanges, and science and technology cooperation.

 

3.3. Expanding Cooperation.

 

The fifth FOCAC summit, held in Beijing in 2012, expanded cooperation in areas such as agriculture, energy, and finance. China committed $20 billion in loans to support the development of infrastructure, small and medium enterprises, and agricultural projects in Africa. This meeting revealed China’s growing interest in supporting peace and security efforts on the continent. The sixth summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2015, brought an unprecedented commitment of $60 billion in funding for African development, which included grants, loans, and export credits. The summit encouraged industrialization, the development of special economic zones, and cooperation in science and technology, representing a shift from aid-driven relations to more investment-led engagement, with China supporting Africa's long-term development goals.

 

3.4. Overcoming Global Challenges.

 

The seventh FOCAC summit, held in Beijing in 2018, moved China-Africa relations forward with the announcement of another $60 billion in financing for African projects. The summit’s theme, "China and Africa: Toward an Even Stronger Community with a Shared Future," reaffirmed China’s commitment to multilateralism, with attention on poverty reduction, infrastructure development, and digital economy cooperation. The summit also introduced the “Belt and Road Initiative” (BRI) as a major part of future China-Africa cooperation. The eighth FOCAC summit, held in Dakar, Senegal in 2021, faced the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic. China pledged to deliver 1 billion vaccine doses to Africa and support post-pandemic recovery efforts, alongside a $40 billion investment in infrastructure, trade, and environmental sustainability. This summit reiterated China’s intention to assist Africa in combating the global health crisis and driving sustainable development across the continent.

 

4. Building Ties for a Shared Future.

 

At the ninth Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the Beijing Declaration and Action Plan were unanimously adopted, representing a historic achievement. With 51 African heads of state, two presidential representatives, the African Union Commission chair, and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in attendance, the gathering disclosed FOCAC’s expanding influence. Furthermore, China’s pledge of $51 billion for 30 infrastructure projects across Africa validated its ongoing support for the strategic partnership and development across the continent.

 

One outcome of the summit was the formation or establishment of strategic partnerships with 30 African nations, bringing the total to 53 countries. These partnerships, built upon existing diplomatic ties, are designed to improve the well-being of both African and Chinese populations and contribute to peace and stability globally. A six-point proposition was also introduced, guiding modernization between China and Africa. The plan, endorsed by both sides, revolves around equitable and inclusive modernization that prioritizes people, promotes openness, respects diversity, and supports environmental sustainability. The proposal recognizes the importance of peace and security in the modernization process, reflecting a mutual understanding of these shared principles. Such cooperation is expected to leave a lasting impact on the Global South's efforts to accelerate modernization.

 

Another achievement was the elevation of China-Africa relations to an "all-weather community with a shared future for the new era." This shift comes after nearly seven decades of growing cooperation, bringing their relationship to a historic point. With over 2.8 billion people moving forward together, despite global challenges, this partnership also begins a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for humanity.

 

Lastly, the summit laid out a clear plan for future cooperation. The Beijing Declaration and Action Plan set a three-year roadmap that includes 10 priority areas such as cultural exchange, trade, industrial cooperation, health, agriculture, green development, and security. Additionally, both parties discussed global governance, affirming their commitment to multilateralism, mutual support, and promoting justice for developing nations. The summit sent a strong message of solidarity, underlining the Global South's determination to pursue shared development.

 

4.1. Tanzania at FOCAC 2024.

 

Tanzania's participation in the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held from September 4 to 6 in Beijing, represented an important step in the country’s ongoing efforts to improve its economy through strategic partnerships. As part of its non-alignment policy, Tanzania has successfully attracted investment from major global powers, including China, without becoming entangled in geopolitical tensions. This strategy continues to increase Tanzania’s bargaining power in securing favorable agreements, making the 2024 FOCAC summit a relevant moment in developing economic ties with China, which has been Tanzania’s leading foreign investor for decades.

 

The summit coincided with the 60th anniversary of China-Tanzania diplomatic relations, a partnership grounded in mutual trust, solidarity, and shared ambitions for modernization. During the summit, China reiterated its commitment to furthering Tanzania’s development goals. A key moment of the event was the signing of agreements aimed at upgrading the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), an important infrastructure project designed to improve regional connectivity and support trade. Both President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema were present for this event, showing the broader regional importance of these developments.

 

In addition to the TAZARA upgrade, China and Tanzania signed several bilateral cooperation agreements covering areas such as agriculture, trade, connectivity, and other strategic aid agreements. These agreements, grounded in the framework of FOCAC, are set to further accelerate Tanzania’s economic growth by improving infrastructure and expanding access to Chinese markets. Importantly, Tanzania stands to benefit from China’s commitment to financing new and ongoing projects that focus on transportation, energy, and ICT sectors. The increased duty-free access for 98% of Tanzanian products, including primary exports like avocados and wild aquatic goods, will likely drive Tanzania’s export growth in the coming years.

 

The outcomes of the 2024 FOCAC summit are expected to have a meaningful impact on Tanzania’s economy. Investments in important infrastructure projects will lower transaction costs, improve logistics, and stimulate primary industries such as agriculture and manufacturing. Furthermore, these developments are poised to create thousands of jobs, particularly in the construction, manufacturing, and services sectors, thereby reducing unemployment and improving living standards across the country. As Tanzania builds its partnership with China, the benefits obtained from FOCAC 2024 will play an important role in influencing the nation’s economic future.

 

5. Global Influence.

 

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has become an important platform for building the ties between China and African nations, promoting both economic and diplomatic collaboration. For China, the benefits of FOCAC are varied, allowing the country to expand its global influence, improve trade relations, and support infrastructure projects across the continent. Through FOCAC, China is able to secure valuable resources from Africa, including raw materials like minerals and oil, which are fundamental for its industrial growth. At the same time, by investing in Africa’s infrastructure, such as railways, ports, and energy facilities, China increases its role as a major player in Africa’s economic development, creating a mutually beneficial relationship. Additionally, China considers Africa an important new market for its products and services, further driving engagement on both sides.

 

Building on this, a further objective for China in FOCAC is to establish itself as a leader in global development and an advocate for South-South cooperation. By aligning with Africa’s modernization efforts, China positions itself as a reliable partner in the continent’s progress. This approach opens doors for Chinese companies to enter African markets, particularly in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and technology. Furthermore, China gains the chance to export its expertise in infrastructure development and technology transfer, creating a mutually beneficial scenario that aligns with the broader Belt and Road Initiative. FOCAC has enabled China to expand its economic presence across Africa, creating long-term partnerships with African governments and businesses.

 

Through FOCAC, China also aims to expand its diplomatic influence by forging deep strategic partnerships with African nations. China’s commitment to providing loans, grants, and technical assistance to African countries amplifies its soft power, supporting the narrative of China as a development partner rather than a hegemonic power. The agreements made under FOCAC, such as duty-free access to Chinese markets for African goods, indicate China’s intent to promote fair trade and support Africa’s industrialization efforts. This creates a framework for Africa to export more value-added products to China, helping the continent reduce its dependence on raw material exports and contributing to long-term economic sustainability.

 

Finally, FOCAC is a vehicle for China to promote stability and peace on the African continent, which is necessary for safeguarding its investments. By assisting African nations in improving governance, building infrastructure, and advancing social development, China establishes a stable environment for its projects and interests. The strategic partnerships formed through FOCAC also allow China to gain political allies across Africa, maintaining the support of African nations in multilateral forums, such as the United Nations. In summary, FOCAC benefits China by securing resources, expanding its economic and diplomatic influence, and building long-term development partnerships across Africa.

 

6. Conclusion.

 

The future of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) holds immense potential for shaping the global framework of collaboration. As the world progresses, FOCAC will remain a platform for advancing South-South cooperation, aligning the aspirations of both regions toward a more inclusive global order. Africa, with its growing youth population and vast resources, provides an attractive prospect for China’s investments, while China’s technological advancements and economic strength offer opportunities for African nations to advance their infrastructure and development goals. This mutual dependence builds the foundation for an equitable relationship, encouraging a deeper integration of economies, cultures, and policies that could lead to transformative global outcomes, focusing on sustainable development and respect for sovereignty.

 

Looking ahead, FOCAC is poised to tackle emerging global challenges, including climate change, rapid technological changes, and public health. The forum has already demonstrated its ability to respond to crises, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic when China provided vaccine support to African nations. Building on this momentum, future summits will likely focus on improving health care systems, promoting green energy, and encouraging digital economy projects. Through FOCAC, Africa and China can work together to create solutions that benefit not only their regions but also contribute to global sustainability efforts. The next phase of FOCAC cooperation will play an important role in redefining development strategies that are adaptable to the changing needs of both regions.

 

Facing shifting power dynamics and emerging global trends, FOCAC continues to play a guiding role in supporting South-South cooperation. The forum provides a platform for African nations to express their aspirations while enabling China to contribute meaningfully to the continent’s development. By utilizing their respective strengths, both regions can handle the challenges of globalization and work towards fair development that benefits all stakeholders involved.

 

As FOCAC moves forward, the vision remains clear. This partnership has established itself as a platform not only for mutual benefit but for creating a model of cooperation that respects sovereignty and promotes sustainable progress. The cooperation is not limited to immediate gains but is part of a broader effort to build a prosperous future for generations to come. By maintaining this relationship, FOCAC will remain a powerful catalyst for growth, creating a world where both regions thrive together, contributing to global peace and stability.

 

Thank you.

 

Written by Christopher Makwaia

Tel: +255 789 242 396

 

 

— The writer, is a University of West London graduate (formerly Thames Valley University) and an expert in Management, Leadership, International Business, Foreign Affairs, Global Marketing, Diplomacy, International Relations, Conflict Resolution, Negotiations, Security, Arms Control, Political Scientist, and a self-taught Computer Programmer and Web Developer.