African Leaders Arrive in Beijing for 2024 FOCAC Summit

As reported by the Xinhua News Agency, leaders including Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, Comoros President Azali Assoumani, and Mali’s transitional President Assimi Goita have already arrived in Beijing. Experts anticipate that the 2024 FOCAC Summit will be a significant diplomatic event, uniting Chinese and African leaders, regional and international organizations, business executives, scholars, and youth. This gathering aims to enhance high-quality cooperation among the Global South amidst a world experiencing profound change and uncertainty.

At an August 23 briefing for Chinese and international media, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Chen Xiaodong highlighted that the summit will focus on major cooperation strategies, exploring new plans, and strengthening exchanges on state governance. These discussions are expected to provide important guidance for the Forum’s future development.

Chen also noted that the Summit will introduce new cooperation initiatives to deepen mutual understanding and respect between China and Africa. He emphasized the importance of fostering enduring China-Africa friendship and ensuring its continued growth. The FOCAC includes 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, as well as the African Union Commission.

He Wenping, a director at the Institute of West Asian and African Studies under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, indicated that this year’s FOCAC summit could elevate China-Africa cooperation to new heights. She suggested that the summit might lead to increased collaboration in emerging areas such as the digital economy and green development, building on existing infrastructure.

Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University, pointed out that amid global turbulence and economic challenges, China and African countries share common interests and a vision for a multipolar world. The FOCAC summit is expected to deliver an encouraging message not only to China and Africa but also to the Global South and the broader international community, showcasing a successful model of South-South cooperation with global significance.

Central African Republic President Faustin-Archange Touadera has begun his visit to China with trips to Chongqing and Shandong Province from August 28 to September 1. His itinerary focuses on learning about China’s progress in urbanization, new energy, cultural industries, agriculture, and the digital economy.

Experts observe that African leaders are using their participation in FOCAC as an opportunity to gain a broader understanding of China’s development and modernization, beyond just diplomatic engagements.

Endalkachew Sime, former State Minister of Ethiopia’s Ministry of Planning and Development and deputy CEO of the Africa-China Trade and Investment Facilitation Center, emphasized that the FOCAC summit is critical for capturing the attention of participating nations and creating a positive image of cooperation at the grassroots level. High-profile media coverage and agreements made during the summit are expected to encourage citizens of participating countries to take the partnership seriously.

Munetsi Madakufamba, executive director of the Southern African Research and Documentation Center, noted that the China-Africa partnership is a win-win situation that prioritizes mutual understanding and balanced development. Unlike past exploitative relationships with Western countries, this partnership emphasizes equitable development.

Chinese analysts assert that China views Africa as a dynamic and hopeful continent, treating its countries as equal partners. With Western economies failing to offer constructive support, China-Africa cooperation, characterized by high-level mutual trust and traditional friendship, is set to become more comprehensive and profound, marking a new phase in Africa’s modernization journey.