China-Africa cooperation has been on an incredible journey, evolving from historical endeavors to groundbreaking initiatives that are shaping the future of both regions.
During the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in Beijing last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping unveiled 10 partnership action plans aimed at strengthening the ties between China and Africa. This ambitious roadmap is set to elevate the relationship to an \"all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era\", highlighting the depth and resilience of this partnership.
But how did we get here? The roots of China-Africa cooperation trace back to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), laying the groundwork for centuries of interaction. Fast forward to the early years of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the partnership took on a new dimension. China provided substantial support to African nations, most notably through the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway in the 1970s. This iconic project, funded with an interest-free loan of 988 million yuan (about $400 million) and nearly 1 million tons of equipment, became known as the \"Railway of Freedom\". It not only boosted the socio-economic development of Tanzania and Zambia but also played a crucial role in supporting national liberation movements in southern Africa.
With China’s reform and opening-up policy, the focus shifted towards economic growth, leading to a surge in infrastructure investments across Africa. Over the past two decades, China has emerged as the largest investor in African infrastructure, overseeing more than 200 projects that include 30,000 kilometers of highways, 2,000 kilometers of railways, and ports capable of handling over 85 million tons annually. Additionally, the industrial park model, inspired by China’s own development, has been a game-changer, with 237 industrial parks built or co-developed by African nations, many led by Chinese companies. These parks are fueling industrialization and creating countless opportunities for economic growth across the continent.
As both China and Africa navigate the complexities of the modern world, their partnership continues to be a cornerstone of international development and governance. The initiatives announced at FOCAC 2024 are set to propel this cooperation into a new era, fostering mutual growth and a shared vision for the future.
Additionally, the industrial park model, inspired by China’s own development, has been a game-changer, with 237 industrial parks built or co-developed by African nations, many led by Chinese companies. These parks are fueling industrialization and creating countless opportunities for economic growth across the continent.
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