Strengthened China-Africa ties urged ahead of summit

As China and Africa reflect on their achievements since the inauguration of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, or FOCAC, in 2000, experts emphasize the need for attention to further solidify bilateral relationship.

During a virtual FOCAC dialogue hosted by the Ghana-based Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory on Tuesday, they highlighted the upcoming FOCAC summit in Beijing from Sept 4 to 6 as a good opportunity to enhance China-Africa relations.

The meeting will be the fourth time it is held in the form of a summit, via which the two sides will celebrate friendship, explore cooperation and chart the course for the future, China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said on Tuesday.

David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg Confucius Institute, said African countries should pay attention to China's resolve articulated at the recent third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. The country aims to drive its economy with new technologies such as artificial intelligence, advanced materials, biotech and green energy.

The continent should take advantage of China's technological advancements, he said, suggesting that Africa could assemble electric vehicles locally to significantly benefit the continent.

Monyae emphasized the need for increased collaboration between China and Africa in infrastructure development through the Belt and Road Initiative, as Africa moves forward with the implementation of the Continental Free Trade Area.

"Africa still faces a huge infrastructure finance deficit (of) over $100 billion," he said. "African leaders must negotiate infrastructure deals with China, focusing on huge infrastructure that enhances regional integration. Priority must be given to infrastructure that does not speak to only one country but one that speaks across countries within the economic regions."

Stacey Links, an assistant professor at Leiden University in the Netherlands, said research should continue to be the cornerstone for shaping policies on China-Africa relations.

Dispelling misinformation

"A lot of misinformation around China-Africa relations is slowly changing because of the research that has been done," Links said.

She said research will help in identifying gaps, challenges and risks and in recommending improvements so that FOCAC remains steadfast and strong.

Going forward, she said China and Africa should consolidate their existing areas of cooperation such as green energy, agriculture and infrastructure development and ensure these initiatives are effectively implemented.

Zhu Yaxiong, an associate professor at Zhejiang Normal University in China's Zhejiang province, said China-Africa cooperation under FOCAC should look at the continent's pressing needs such as green energy, agriculture and infrastructure development.

Highlighting China's own development trajectory, Zhu said China is competent to assist African countries in advancing their economies. This includes modernizing agriculture and generating employment opportunities, he said.

"China has successfully achieved food security for its population. If African countries can adopt scientific approaches to agriculture, they too can ensure food sufficiency for their people," he said.