Africa and China’s Growing Trade Relationship
Latest: Dr. Uzodinma Chinenye Gerlof Michael appointed as acting Executive General Secretary of AFRICDA
Beijing, China – The 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit marks a pivotal moment as over 40 high-level African leaders gather in Beijing for the first in-person meeting since the COVID-19 pandemic. Established 24 years ago, FOCAC has evolved into a vital platform for enhancing China-Africa ties, driving cooperation across key sectors. This summit is set to usher in a new era of partnership, focusing on financial commitments, expanded trade, and strategic collaboration in digital and infrastructure development.
On behalf of the African community living in China, AFRICDA (Africa-China Diaspora Alliance) expresses its profound appreciation to the government and people of China for their unwavering support and commitment to strengthening China-Africa relations. As representatives of Africans in China, AFRICDA is uniquely positioned to enhance cultural exchanges, people-to-people connections, and mutual understanding between Africans and Chinese, in line with the vision of President Xi Jinping.
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As FOCAC 9 unfolds, AFRICDA is dedicated to supporting the summit’s outcomes and leveraging its unique position to foster deeper connections not only between Africans and the Chinese but also between the broader African continent and China. AFRICDA aims to actively engage with African and Chinese communities to build a shared future that values cultural exchange, economic cooperation, and mutual respect. Key areas of focus include:
1. Enhancing People-to-People and Cultural Exchanges:
• AFRICDA is committed to fostering cultural exchanges and deeper people-to-people connections, embracing the diversity of African and Chinese cultures. Through events, educational programs, and community engagements, AFRICDA will continue to promote mutual understanding, reflecting the values emphasized by President Xi Jinping.
2. Leveraging Unique Perspectives of Africans in China:
• Africans living in China have a unique vantage point, experiencing and appreciating the rich cultural diversity of both continents firsthand. AFRICDA will harness these insights to strengthen China-Africa relations and foster a more inclusive, interconnected community that benefits both Africans and Chinese.
3. Promoting Legal Compliance and Positive Representation:
• AFRICDA emphasizes the importance of abiding by the legal frameworks of our host country, China. By encouraging members to be law-abiding, AFRICDA aims to build positive perceptions of Africans within Chinese society, enhancing the overall relationship between our communities.
4. Facilitating Trade, Business, and Digital Cooperation:
• AFRICDA will actively connect African businesses and entrepreneurs with Chinese partners, facilitating new trade opportunities arising from FOCAC 9. By promoting digital cooperation, AFRICDA will support members in accessing the tools and knowledge needed to participate in the global digital economy.
5. Advocating for Strategic Partnerships:
• AFRICDA will advocate for strategic partnerships that align with the shared goals of FOCAC, supporting the integration of China’s Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s development needs. By engaging with both African leaders and Chinese stakeholders, AFRICDA aims to ensure these collaborations bring tangible benefits to communities in China and Africa.
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FOCAC 9 arrives at a critical juncture, with renewed financial commitments expected, including concessional loans, Special Drawing Rights (SDR) allocations, and strengthened ties with African financial institutions such as the African Development Bank and AfriExim Bank. A shift towards impactful, smaller-scale infrastructure projects that enhance regional connectivity and support initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will be a key focus, integrating African economies into global trade networks.
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FOCAC 9 is poised to expand the China-Africa trade relationship beyond raw commodities, emphasizing value-added African products. This approach will not only enhance Africa’s competitiveness but also open new economic opportunities for the continent, paving the way for sustainable and inclusive growth.
With digital transformation reshaping the global economy, FOCAC 9 is expected to deepen digital cooperation and AI development between China and Africa. These commitments will play a crucial role in modernizing African economies, improving access to technology, and positioning the continent as a key player in the global digital landscape.
FOCAC 9 complements China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), aligning it with Africa’s development priorities. This integration is vital for achieving the vision of a high-level community of shared future, as articulated by President Xi Jinping. The recent Dar es Salaam Consensus highlights the importance of China-Africa cooperation in promoting inclusive growth and safeguarding the interests of the global South.
FOCAC 9 offers a platform for advocating greater representation of African voices in international governance. China’s support for Africa’s inclusion in global bodies like the United Nations Security Council and the G20 underscores the mutual commitment to reforming global governance structures to better serve developing nations.
AFRICDA urges African leaders not to go to sleep on these opportunities. This summit is not just a diplomatic engagement but a strategic platform to drive tangible benefits for our continent and our diaspora. African leaders must remain proactive, engaged, and committed to translating the promises of FOCAC into real, measurable outcomes for their people.
FOCAC 9 stands as a powerful symbol of the evolving China-Africa partnership, a relationship built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to progress. As we navigate an increasingly complex global landscape, the cooperation between China and Africa offers a beacon of hope and a model for fostering growth, development, and a high-level community of shared future.
Abdul Ganiyu Alhassan is the Head of Information at the Embassy of the Republic of Ghana in China, specializing in Africa-China relations and international diplomacy.
