By Dr Austin Maho
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is 25 this year, a significant milestone, considering its remarkable achievements in the last twenty five years.
Established in 2000, FOCAC has grown into a robust platform for collective dialogue and cooperation between China and African countries. Over the past quarter century, FOCAC has delivered concrete benefits in various areas, including building political trust, boosting trade, infrastructure, education, health, and people-to-people exchanges.
Notably the Forum was founded on the principles of mutual respect, equality, and win-win cooperation between China and African countries. FOCAC since inception signalled a significant shift in China’s engagement with Africa, from primarily providing humanitarian aid to fostering a comprehensive partnership based on mutuality and common interest.
Since its launch, FOCAC has evolved to address the changing needs and priorities of both China and Africa.
In terms of concrete achievements FOCAC has scored numerous milestones over the years especially in trade, infrastructure, tariff free trade, people to people exchanges amongst others
Within the FOCAC framework, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade volumes reaching a record $295.74 billion in 2024. Chinese companies have invested heavily in Africa’s infrastructure, energy, and manufacturing sectors.
In the area of Infrastructure Development, China has supported the construction of over 10,000 kilometers of railways, 100,000 kilometers of roads, and 1,000 bridges in Africa. Notable projects include the Lagos-Ibadan railway and the Ethiopia-Djibouti electrified railway.
While imposition of tariffs and levies have become the choice weapons of global conflict and subjugation, China commits to removing customs duties on goods from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, This move is designed to boost African exports, stimulate industrialization, and reinforce Africa’s position in the global marketplace.
FOCAC in the last twenty five years has promoted cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy, with initiatives such as the China-Africa Science and Technology Partnership Program and the China-Africa-UNESCO dialogue on education and cultural heritage protection, there is also the expansion of the activities of the Chinese funded confucious institute in several countries in Africa, which essentially is to create mutual understanding by bridging language and cultural barriers between China and Africa.
Furthermore, FOCAC has played a crucial role in promoting South-South cooperation and fostering a more equitable global economic order. The forum has given a voice to African countries in the international community.
FOCAC has promoted multilateralism and cooperation on global issues, such as climate change, poverty reduction, and health.
Irrespective of Western media propaganda, FOCAC has achieved significant and remarkable successes, as highlighted above. FOCAC remains a vital platform for promoting cooperation between China and Africa. The forum provides a unique opportunity for both sides to engage in dialogue, share experiences, and collaborate on development projects.
Looking into the future, FOCAC will continue to play a significant role in promoting China-Africa cooperation. The 25th anniversary of FOCAC therefore marks a significant milestone in China-Africa cooperation. The forum has delivered concrete benefits in various areas, including trade, infrastructure, education, and healthcare and fostering a more equitable global economic order. with a focus on mutual benefit,
Dr Austin Maho, is a global affairs analyst and publisher of Daybreak Nigeria Newspaper
