Members of the China Economic and Social Council and the Union of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions of Africa have gathered in Shanghai for a significant roundtable aimed at fostering modernization and building a shared future between China and African nations. This meeting, which brought together over 60 representatives, provided a platform for dialogue focused on creating a pathway to modernization that benefits both sides.
Wang Dongfeng, chairman of the China Economic and Social Council, emphasized that this event sought to strengthen President Xi Jinping’s vision for enhanced cooperation. This vision, originally presented during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), underlines the importance of solidarity, shared development goals, and mutual advancement between China and Africa.
“China has adopted a participative economic model, viewing the world as one country and one big family. We salute this approach and global vision,” said Ahmat Mbodou Mahamat, President of the Economic, Social, and Cultural Council of Chad. His statement resonated with many attendees, as it highlighted China’s inclusive approach and its potential for positively impacting global development.
The discussions in Shanghai placed a strong focus on the need for unity and cooperation between continents. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening these ties to contribute to modernization efforts across Africa and Asia. One of the primary areas of interest was the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), a massive infrastructure and economic project initiated by China that seeks to create trade and investment opportunities across the globe. The representatives agreed that continued collaboration under the BRI framework could catalyze significant progress for developing nations.
“China has the know-how and has drawn a new way of cooperation that benefits both parties for a common destiny. We, as Africans, have to count on China’s sincerity to reverse a repressive world order that holds back Africa’s development,” said Ngoumbe Zacharie, Secretary General of the Economic and Social Council of Cameroon. His perspective underlined the significance of genuine partnerships based on mutual trust and long-term commitment.
Throughout the discussions, advancing technological progress and ensuring fair practices in globalization were prominent themes. Delegates recognized that technology plays a critical role in modern development and that narrowing the technology gap could position Africa for substantial economic growth. Bridging this divide, they argued, would require strategic partnerships and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
“It is in this technology divide that we think China can play a bigger role. And globalization means China and all those who want to help Africa must allow Africa to leapfrog the technological divide that is existing today,” stated July Moyo, Zimbabwe’s Minister of Public Service, Labor, and Social Welfare. This sentiment pointed to the urgent need for technology transfer and capacity building to empower African countries to participate fully in the global economy.
The roundtable also highlighted the importance of fostering sustainable development practices and promoting fair global economic policies. Participants underscored that cooperation between China and Africa should prioritize equity and fairness, ensuring that economic growth does not come at the expense of any nation’s sovereignty or development prospects. The inclusion of African voices in international decision-making processes was seen as essential to achieving these goals.
The event in Shanghai concluded with the approval of a joint declaration, an outcome viewed as a significant step forward in China-Africa relations. The declaration aligns with the Beijing Action Plan, which was adopted at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit. This document represents a commitment from civil societies in both China and Africa to provide valuable insights, encourage thoughtful decision-making, and build consensus around creating a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future. The declaration’s adoption was seen as a symbol of unity and shared purpose, reinforcing the bond between the two regions and their dedication to pursuing common development objectives.
Feng Yilei of CGTN reported, “The gathering also approved a joint declaration. Following the Beijing Action Plan adopted at this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit held in Beijing, the declaration represents a unified commitment from civil societies on both sides to offer valuable insights, promote decision-making, and advance consensus on building a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.” This closing statement encapsulated the spirit of the event—a clear focus on collaboration and shared prosperity.
Participants left the meeting with a renewed sense of purpose, agreeing that such gatherings are instrumental in shaping policies and strategies that can lead to real progress. By strengthening unity, supporting the development of technology, and fostering fair practices in global trade, China and African nations aim to create a modernized world where every partner benefits. The discussions in Shanghai will likely serve as a foundation for further initiatives that bridge gaps and enable transformative development across continents.
This roundtable showcased how dialogue and cooperation can pave the way for innovative solutions and mutual growth. As both China and African nations move forward, the commitment to shared modernization and partnership remains at the forefront of their collaborative efforts.
