AFRICA CHINA
The FOCAC focus – Africa Unite
By Kirtan Bhana
The Diplomatic Society - President

16 September 2024 

51 African leaders and President Xi Jinping met to once again commit to taking a quantum leap in Africa’s modernisation and high quality development. The summit of African nations and China from 4 to 6 September was the largest Diplomatic function China has hosted in recent years. The event is another demonstration of not only China’s commitment to Africa, but a display of the capacity and the capabilities of its people to successfully arrange and manage an event of such magnitude.

At a post FOCAC event of the National Press Club of South Africa hosted in Pretoria, Ambassador Wu Peng, China’s envoy to South Africa, shared his thoughts and unpacked the outcomes. Ambassador Wu noted President Xi’s emphasis on relations between China and African nations that are now at their best in history. The growing trust between the China – Africa community can only lead to stronger relations, as faith between African nations and regional bodies deepen the continent’s integration. Africa has all the resources, the people, mostly youthful and energetic, the potential capacity and capabilities to mimic China’s phenomenal progress and complement China as an equal global partner.

The secret to China’s success is simply based on the confidence that the people of China, as a community, have shown in the governance and leadership of their country. The whole democratic process is a display of how regular consultations and consensus building has allowed the Chinese government to meet the aspirations of the people and deliver. This kind of people centered governance is the aim of Africa’s Agenda 2063. The goal is to integrate and streamline the bureaucracy of the over 50 African nations and through the implementation of the AfCFTA free trade area accelerate trade between and within African communities.  

China has now committed to strategic partnerships with 53 of the 54 African countries. As cooperation and relations between African regional blocs are enhanced, the agreements should translate into regional cooperation that will greatly increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the partnership. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) projects that have been established will also gain increased capacity and capabilities as logistics and infrastructure are connected.  Africa’s interconnectedness will give further impetus to the “hallmark of China’s cooperation with Africa which has always been the readiness to keep promises and take real action,” explained Ambassador Wu.
“In recent years, China and Africa have jointly implemented the ‘Ten Cooperation Plans’,  ‘Eight Major Initiatives’” and ‘Nine Programs’, bringing tangible benefits to hundreds of millions of people. 

“This time, President Xi Jinping announced the Ten Partnership Actions for the next three years, outlining concrete and measurable goals that will deepen China-Africa cooperation and provide fresh momentum for modernization across the Global South,” said Wu.

China will invite 1,000 members of African political parties to visit China, grant zero-tariff treatment to all products from 33 of Africa’s least developed countries, build supporting infrastructure for 10 industrial parks, implement 30 infrastructure connectivity projects, carry out 1,000 “small and beautiful” livelihood projects, launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment, send 500 agricultural experts, launch 30 clean energy projects, and create at least 1 million jobs for Africa.

Ambassador Wu pointed out specific initiatives which include expanding the Future of Africa–Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, offering 60,000 training opportunities, inviting 1,000 African cultural and tourism professionals to China for study, establishing media and cultural exchange platforms in Africa, continuing the China-Africa Press Communication Center program, and designating 2026 as the ‘China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges’.

“To implement the “Ten Partnership Actions”, the Chinese government will provide financial support totaling 360 billion yuan RMB.  This includes 210 billion yuan in credit line, 80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least 70 billion yuan of investment by Chinese enterprises in Africa.

“Furthermore, China will encourage and support African countries in issuing panda bonds in China, with a focus on helping African nations achieve inclusive and sustainable development.” Ambassador Wu reiterated.

Africa is the continent with the most countries and most borders; it is also notorious for engaging in the most armed conflicts that are still ongoing. The political agendas of post-colonial regimes are well documented, yet there is only one nuclear energy power station on the entire continent. This seems ironical as it has all the resources to construct, fuel, manage and maintain a fleet of nuclear energy power stations that will fundamentally change Africa and the lives of Africans in a multitude of ways. This, combined with the abundant clean green energy, Africa’s growth could even supersede China’s own amazing progress. Agenda 2063 is hard at work trying to ‘Silence the guns’ on the continent as peace and stability will realize ‘The Africa we want’, a prosperous Africa in all aspects.

Travel, tourism, hospitality, sports, recreation, health, wellness, rest, relaxation, hobbies art, culture and entertainment can spur creative innovation, and if well-coordinated, can be the ultimate pivot that cohesively and sustainably brings people together, face-to-face, in their diverse splendor. The spare time created by the quantum advances in technology and the effective and efficient use of energy can spark an evolution of the recreational and creative industries which is a proven revenue generator and employment creator, and with resources directed away from political conflict to these sectors can become a boon for harmonious co-existence.

The progressive and pro-active role of news media came under the spotlight as journalists from different media shared their experiences of their attendance of FOCAC and accompanying South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on his state visit to China. Media’s value in society is under constant scrutiny. A revival and rejuvenation of its role is at hand as correct comprehension of information and communication is examined and the market segmentation of audiences grows, especially enriched by the multiple languages and the plethora of communication platforms.  

As China takes up a leading global role it is acutely cognisant of the fact that people are central to governance and progress. China has been sensitive to criticism so it can be constructive in its response and proactive in its actions. The people’s enthusiasm to share is part of its collective ideology, encouraging others to draw from its successes and experiences and learn and improve on the missteps.