CHINA-AFRICA economic and trade cooperation has significantly progressed since the 2021 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit, bringing tangible benefits to both regions. Assistant Minister of Commerce Tang Wenhong highlighted these advancements during a press conference, emphasising the success of the nine cooperation programmes initiated during the 8th FOCAC Ministerial Conference held in Senegal.
These nine programmes cover areas such as healthcare, poverty reduction, agricultural development, trade, digital innovation, green development, and capacity building. Tang noted that China-Africa trade reached $282.1bn in 2023, an 11 percent increase from 2021, solidifying China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years.
Rising trade and investment
China’s investment in Africa has also seen steady growth, with direct investments surpassing $40bn by the end of 2023. This influx of capital has generated over 1.1 million jobs across the continent, with Chinese companies establishing economic zones in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics. Major projects like Nigeria’s Lekki port and Kenya’s Nairobi expressway are prime examples of this collaboration, with Chinese firms signing contracts worth over $700bn in Africa over the past decade.
Focus on green development and digital innovation
Tang also highlighted the surge in clean energy projects and the export of lithium batteries and photovoltaic products to Africa, driven by the green development and digital innovation programmes. These initiatives are not only fostering sustainable energy solutions but also contributing to Africa’s digital transformation.
China-aided projects impacting African lives
Liu Junfeng, Deputy Head of the China International Development Cooperation Agency, reported that all tasks related to Chinese aid under the nine programmes have been completed over the past three years. This includes 25 healthcare projects, such as the headquarters for the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Bobo-Dioulasso hospital in Burkina Faso. China has also provided 240 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to African countries, along with medical supplies and technical assistance.
In agriculture, 47 poverty reduction projects have been executed, with over 500 agricultural experts sent to Africa and emergency food aid provided to more than 30 countries. China’s assistance extends to employment promotion, digital innovation, green development, capacity building, and cultural exchanges.
Looking ahead: FOCAC 2024 Summit
The forthcoming FOCAC 2024 Summit, scheduled in Beijing from September 4 to 6, aims to further deepen China-Africa relations. Tang emphasised China’s commitment to expanding institutional openness to Africa and enhancing industrial and supply chain cooperation for shared economic growth.
Shen Xiang, Director of the West Asia and Africa Department at the Ministry of Commerce, noted that China is exploring new financial cooperation models with Africa, focusing on supporting green development, the digital economy, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A conference for Chinese and African entrepreneurs will also be held during the summit to explore new cooperation opportunities and drive the high-quality development of China-Africa economic ties.
