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Forging a new era: The all-weather China-Africa partnership for shared prosperity

The China-Africa relationship has evolved from solidarity during the anti-colonial era to a modern partnership built on trade and investment

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by STAR REPORTER

Opinion09 December 2024 - 13:06
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In Summary


  • The China-Africa relationship has evolved from solidarity during the anti-colonial era to a modern partnership built on trade and investment

Chinese President Xi Jinping with Kenyan President William Ruto, in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept 3, 2024. (PHOTO / XINHUA)

BY STEPHEN NDEGWA

China's proposal for an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, as presented during the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), offers a transformative vision. This partnership is not just a diplomatic statement but a robust plan that addresses some of the most pressing global issues, making it both timely and critical.

President Xi Jinping’s 10-point strategy introduces fresh elements to the longstanding relationship. A key highlight is the emphasis on digital technology. The planned establishment of a China-Africa Digital Technology Cooperation Centre and 20 digital demonstration projects could fundamentally alter Africa’s participation in the global tech revolution.

This comes at a time when digitalisation is reshaping economies worldwide, and Africa, home to some of the world’s fastest-growing tech hubs, stands to be a major beneficiary. Initiatives like these could propel Africa into a position where it actively contributes to and benefits from global technological advancements.

Another angle is the integration of green development into the cooperation framework. China's pledge to support 30 clean energy projects and collaborations on satellite remote sensing signifies a long-term commitment to tackling climate change together. For Africa, a continent disproportionately affected by the consequences of global warming despite contributing minimally to carbon emissions, these projects offer not only relief but also opportunities for sustainable growth. The shared pursuit of green technologies and low-carbon solutions could serve as a global model for collective responsibility and innovation in environmental conservation.

The human development aspect of the partnership is equally noteworthy. Beyond infrastructure and trade, China’s focus on improving African livelihoods through healthcare, education, and job creation provides a holistic approach to modernisation. For instance, the plan to provide 60,000 training opportunities, mainly targeting women and youth, could help address systemic inequalities while fostering inclusive development. The empowerment of small and medium-sized enterprises through programmes like the African SMEs Empowerment Initiative further ensures that the benefits of this partnership extend to the grassroots level, strengthening local economies.

The broader geopolitical implications of this partnership cannot be overlooked. In a world increasingly divided by economic blocs and power struggles, the China-Africa model represents a new form of global cooperation. It prioritises mutual respect and development without conditions often attached to Western aid. This aspect, combined with China's push for reforms in international governance systems, aligns with a growing demand for equity and inclusivity in global decision-making processes.

Critics might view China's deepening ties with Africa through a lens of strategic competition with the West, but the focus on mutual benefits and shared goals paints a more nuanced picture. The zero-tariff treatment for African goods and significant financial commitments underscore an intent to foster a genuinely balanced relationship. Such measures, if executed effectively, could redefine perceptions of global partnerships, particularly those between the Global South and more developed nations.

Historically, the China-Africa relationship has evolved from solidarity during the anti-colonial era to a modern partnership built on trade and investment. The addition of cultural and educational exchanges, as seen in initiatives like the 25 centres on China-Africa studies, enriches this bond. These exchanges are not merely symbolic but functional, offering platforms for knowledge sharing and mutual understanding that could mitigate cultural and operational misunderstandings.

As the 2024 FOCAC outcomes unfold, the success of this ambitious agenda will largely depend on implementation and local engagement. African nations, with their diverse needs and aspirations, must actively shape these initiatives to ensure alignment with their development priorities. For China, maintaining transparency and fostering genuine partnerships will be crucial to sustaining goodwill and addressing concerns of neo-colonialism.

Ultimately, this renewed focus on China-Africa relations comes at a pivotal moment in history, as global challenges demand innovative and inclusive solutions. The vision for an all-weather partnership extends beyond diplomatic niceties to embody a shared responsibility for building a fairer, more sustainable world. If realised, it could serve as a blueprint for international cooperation in the 21st century.

Stephen Ndegwa is the Executive Director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communication development think tank, and a PhD student in International Relations at USIU-Africa. 


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