The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is an essential diplomatic event that continues to strengthen the ties between China and Africa. This forum is becoming increasingly important as African governments begin to take a more active role in guiding the direction of the relationship. The 9th Forum, held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024, is a prime example of this growing influence. Leaders from China and over 50 African countries came together for the event, culminating in the release of an action plan for the next three years, filled with new initiatives and areas of agreement.
As the Beijing Action Plan (2025-2027) takes shape, there are clear takeaways regarding the future of China-Africa relations. Four key themes emerged from the forum: a formal upgrade in the political relationship, significant financial commitments, an emphasis on green and low-carbon technologies, and a growing alignment between FOCAC outcomes and Africa’s development priorities.
An “All-Weather” Partnership
One of the standout messages from the forum was the deepening and strengthening of the China-Africa relationship. During the Covid-19 pandemic, there were concerns about the stability of this partnership, especially as the previous FOCAC took place virtually due to the global health crisis. However, the 9th FOCAC proved that both China and African countries remain committed to their long-standing ties.
President Xi Jinping took this commitment a step further by announcing the formal upgrade of the relationship. What was once referred to as a “comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership” is now officially called an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.” This upgrade positions the China-Africa relationship at the top of China’s diplomatic hierarchy, signaling the significance and enduring nature of this partnership. The term “all-weather” suggests that the relationship between China and Africa will continue to evolve and remain strong, regardless of external challenges, while the phrase “community with a shared future for the new era” highlights the long-term vision for collaboration.
$50 Billion Financial Commitment
Another major highlight from the forum was the announcement of a $50 billion financial commitment from China to Africa over the next three years. This amount is in line with the pledges made during the previous FOCAC. However, there is a notable shift in how the funds will be allocated. Out of the $50 billion, $30 billion will be provided in the form of credit lines, $10 billion will be designated for investment promotion for Chinese companies, and another $10 billion will go toward “other assistance.” This breakdown reflects a shift in Chinese financial support, moving away from the direct bilateral lending that characterized earlier phases of China-Africa cooperation.
China’s financial institutions are increasingly focusing on more diversified and commercially oriented lending models. The Beijing Action Plan also emphasized collaboration with other financial institutions, such as the African Development Bank, to co-finance projects, indicating a shift toward partnerships that involve a mix of financing sources.
Despite the changes in how the financial support is structured, infrastructure development remains a key focus of China-Africa cooperation. The 9th FOCAC pledged to develop 30 new infrastructure projects, a significant increase compared to the 10 projects promised at the previous forum. These new projects, however, tend to be smaller in scale, more diverse in their financing models, and often linked with China’s green technology sectors. Some of these projects are being referred to as “small and beautiful” due to their more sustainable and manageable nature.
Additionally, the Beijing Action Plan reflects the coexistence of two major initiatives: the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Global Development Initiative (GDI). While there was initial speculation that the GDI might replace the BRI, it is becoming clear that the two initiatives will complement each other. The BRI will continue to focus on infrastructure development, while the GDI will support other aspects of development, such as technology exchange, training, and community-focused initiatives. This distinction has led some to describe the BRI as the “hardware” and the GDI as the “software” of China’s development cooperation.
Green Development Cooperation
Another key takeaway from the forum is the prominent role of green development. The previous FOCAC included a separate declaration on climate change cooperation, but the Beijing Action Plan integrates green development across various sectors, including economic cooperation, infrastructure development, trade and investment, and even peace and security. Green development is now firmly embedded in the core of China-Africa collaboration.
The 30 new infrastructure projects pledged by China are all related to renewable and low-carbon energy, aligning with China’s emphasis on green technology and energy efficiency. These projects aim to contribute to the global fight against climate change by supporting Africa’s transition to cleaner energy sources. However, the true environmental and social impact of these projects will need to be closely monitored in the coming years. Some projects, such as those focused on transition minerals needed for low-carbon technologies, could raise concerns about their environmental impact, even though they are classified as “green” due to their role in the energy transition.
Stronger African Agency in Shaping FOCAC Outcomes
Perhaps one of the most important developments at the 9th FOCAC is the increasing alignment between the forum’s outcomes and the development priorities of African governments. The Beijing Action Plan references key African initiatives, such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These references highlight the growing agency of African governments in shaping the direction of the partnership.
The Beijing Action Plan also includes mentions of new initiatives, such as the proposed African Credit Agency, which is seen as a step toward enhancing Africa’s financial independence. China’s support for Africa’s push to gain a seat at the G20 further underscores the importance of this growing partnership. African policymakers view China’s backing for these initiatives as crucial for reshaping the global economic and political landscape to better represent African interests.
In recent years, despite the significant economic and political differences between China and African countries, FOCAC has proven to be an effective forum for advancing African interests. The 9th FOCAC marks a shift toward a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship, with African nations becoming more proactive in defining the terms of their engagement with China. The growing influence of African governments in shaping the future of China-Africa relations is a testament to their increasing role in the global arena.
The 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation has highlighted the strengthening of ties between China and Africa, with an increasing emphasis on green development, infrastructure projects, and a more diversified approach to financing. The $50 billion commitment, the rise of green technologies, and the greater alignment with Africa’s development agendas all point toward a future of deeper cooperation and mutual benefit.
African governments, with their growing agency, are playing a central role in shaping this future, ensuring that their priorities and development needs are addressed in the evolving China-Africa relationship. As this partnership continues to unfold, it will be interesting to watch how the alignment between China’s strategic goals and Africa’s development aspirations shapes the trajectory of both regions in the coming years.
