The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will take place in Beijing between September 4 and 6, 2024. This meeting, which will be one of the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic, stands out for the presence of leaders from several African countries and the potential it offers to outline new cooperation strategies for the future.

With a theme centered on promoting modernization and building a high-level community with a shared future between China and Africa, FOCAC 2024 promises to be a milestone in the history of Sino-African relations.

This China-Africa partnership, shaped by mutual interest, is redefining global dynamics, especially in areas of economic development and infrastructure. In recent years, Beijing has been committed to responding to the real needs of the African continent, contrasting with Western approaches, which are often seen as unilateral impositions.

True Partnerships

Western countries have been criticized for using a “carrot on the end of the stick” to ensure that its interests prevail over those of African nations, while China has focused on a more reciprocal and empathetic relationship.

This approach has allowed Beijing to better understand the needs of its African partners, tailoring its collaboration to benefit both parties. In recent years, China's popularity in Africa has grown, as demonstrated by a Gallup report, which revealed a significant increase in China's approval rating on the continent, surpassing that of the US.

This phenomenon can be explained by the way China has approached its relations with Africa, listening to local concerns and offering solutions that meet immediate needs and promote long-term development.

Mwangi Wachira, a former World Bank economist, highlights that Chinese cooperation is distinguished by the consideration it gives to African preferences, in contrast to Western institutions that often impose unfavorable conditions.

Unlike the West, China has demonstrated a willingness to negotiate on an equal footing and invest in infrastructure, empowering local populations through knowledge sharing and promoting local engagement, from hiring workers to training for management positions.

This inclusive and genuine approach has been widely valued by African countries who see China as a partner committed to the common good, in contrast to collaboration with the West which more closely resembles a “continuation of colonialism” than with true collaboration.

World Competition

In recent years, Washington has warned of what it considers to be a “evil influence"China's stance on the continent, accusing Beijing of using its cooperation with Africa to advance narrow geopolitical interests. However, the reality on the ground tells a different story.

China has invested heavily in infrastructure in Africa, channeling funds into the construction of roads, ports, and hydroelectric plants, among other projects. These investments, part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have been crucial to the continent's development, enabling job creation and improving living conditions.

However, these initiatives are not without criticism. Some Western observers point out that Chinese loans, while necessary, could saddle African countries with excessive debt.

In Kenya, for example, the construction of a Chinese-funded railway line connecting Nairobi to Mombasa generated controversy due to the project's high cost. Although it brought significant benefits in terms of mobility and trade, the second phase of the project, which was supposed to extend the line to Uganda, was suspended due to financial difficulties.

This case exemplifies the challenges that arise when African countries resort to large loans to finance large-scale infrastructure projects. Despite criticism, China has maintained its commitment to Africa's development, offering not only financing but also technical assistance and training.

This approach has allowed African countries to develop their capacities, making them less dependent on foreign aid in the long term.

Minerals, What Do I Want You For?

As demand for these raw materials increases, both Chinese and Western companies have been racing to secure access to these vital resources. The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is a clear example of this race. The country, rich in coltan, is responsible for 70% of world cobalt production, a crucial mineral for the production of lithium batteries.

Although cobalt extraction is dominated by the DRC, China leads the way in the processing of this mineral, controlling approximately 50% of the world's processing capacity. This strategic advantage has allowed Beijing to consolidate its position as a major mineral supplier to the global green technology industry.

However, this competition has generated tensions not only between world powers but also within African countries. Local governments face the challenge of balancing economic interests with the need to protect the environment and ensure that the benefits of mineral exploration are shared equitably by the population.

Furthermore, the growing rivalry between China and the US has put pressure on African countries to choose sides, an example of which was the Kamala Harris' visit to Africa, a pressure that could have profound and divisive implications for the future of international cooperation in Africa.

Conclusion

However, growing competition with the West, especially the United States, could jeopardize this partnership if ways of cooperation are not found that allow for the sustainable development of the continent without burdening African nations with unsustainable debt.

As FOCAC 2024 approaches, it is crucial that African and Chinese leaders continue to work together to ensure that ongoing projects benefit not only present but also future generations.

The focus must be on building infrastructure that promotes economic and social growth, empowering local populations, and protecting the environment. Only then will it be possible to create a truly sustainable partnership that contributes to a future of shared prosperity.

Will this China-Africa Forum really benefit the continent? We want to know your opinion, do not hesitate to comment and if you liked the article, share and give a “like/like”.