Officially launched at the First Ministerial Conference held in Beijing from 10 to 12 October 2000, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, marked a new era of Friendship, Cooperation and Brotherhood between China and African countries. Twenty-five years on, the fruits have lived up to the promise of the flowers. So much so that, since the 9th FOCAC Summit held in Beijing from 4 to 6 September 2024, China-Africa relations have been raised to the level of a strategic partnership. With convincing results in all the vital sectors covered by Chinese cooperation. A model of cooperation for the global South, an approach that serves as an example for the former colonial powers in their relationship with the continent that is the ‘Cradle of Humanity’.

It's no secret that Chinese cooperation has revolutionised international cooperation with Africa! Before China, the traditional partners, essentially the former colonial powers, came to the dark continent as ‘saviours’, as ‘lesson givers’, in a paternalistic spirit. Plunderers in the days of slavery and colonisation, they were still the ones who decided on areas of cooperation and imposed adherence to the ‘Washington Consensus’, with its corollary of the Structural Adjustment Programme and the dismantling of Africa's industrial fabric. This is not the case with China, which, throughout history, but especially on the eve of independence, stood by the African peoples as they strove to achieve international sovereignty. Once independence was achieved, in the 1960s and 1970s, China did not hesitate to support the new African states, despite the fact that it was still an agricultural country at the time. The same was true for the period from the late 1970s to the year 2000, a thirty-year period during which China itself was implementing its policy of reform and opening up. China has never turned its back on Africa. What's more, after the fall of the Berlin Wall (on 9 November 1989) and the break-up of the Soviet bloc (on 26 December 1991), when the West abandoned Africa in the name of business in Eastern Europe, which was in the midst of reconstruction, only China remained at the bedside of an Africa stripped bare and abandoned by the ‘predators’.

The Year 2000, a New Era of Sino-African Cooperation

Proud of its traditions and rooted in its millennia-old civilisation, China decided, by mutual agreement with its African partners, at the turn of the year 2000, to create a formal framework for comprehensive cooperation with the dark continent. On the basis of the principles of Sincerity - relations based on mutual trust and respect for each other's interests - Effective Results - what is agreed upon is carried out - Friendship - relations marked by historic solidarity, strengthened by cultural, educational and diplomatic exchanges - and Good Faith - cooperation is based on a respectful and pragmatic approach - the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, FOCAC, was officially launched at the First Ministerial Conference held in Beijing in autumn 2000, from 10 to 12 October. Twenty-five years later, and on the basis of the ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI, launched in 2013), the ‘Global Development Initiative’ (GDI, launched in 2021), the ‘Global Security Initiative’ (GSI, launched in 2022) and the ‘Global Civilisation Initiative’ (GCI, launched in 2023) - pragmatic and visionary initiatives proposed by President XI Jinping. Always guided by a clear desire to build a Community with a shared future with Africa, China has made a massive contribution to kick-starting Africa's socio-economic development, through infrastructure construction, agribusiness, health, education and training, technology transfer and trade, etc. It is only logical that China should be the leading partner in Africa. It is only logical that it should be Africa's leading trading partner.

FOCAC and Infrastructure Development in Africa

Over the past 25 years, thanks to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), Africa has seen exponential infrastructure development. This has transformed the economic and social landscape of many of the continent's countries. In concrete terms, China has invested in the construction or modernisation of 100,000 km of roads. These include roads and motorways in Nigeria, notably as part of projects linked to the New Silk Roads. Road projects in Ethiopia, to link Addis Ababa to key regions, supporting economic development. Road projects in Angola, to modernise essential roads for the transport of goods and people. The Maputo-Catembe road in Mozambique, including an impressive suspension bridge. This road improves connectivity between Maputo and the surrounding regions. The Naïrobi-Mombasa road in Kenya, which is a strategic route linking the Kenyan capital to the country's main port, facilitating trade and transport.  The Godomey crossroads overpass, Benin's first interchange to date. As part of the Belt and Road Initiative, these projects aim to stimulate trade and industrial development.

China has also played a key role in the development of rail infrastructure in Africa, contributing to the realisation of numerous major projects and the construction of 6,000 km of railways. Examples include the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, a 750km line linking the Ethiopian capital to the Port of Djibouti, facilitating international trade and reducing transport times. The Nairobi-Mombasa railway in Kenya, a modern 477 km line linking the Kenyan capital to the country's main port, supporting trade and tourism. The Tanzania-Zambia railway, also known as the Tazara. Built in the 1970s, this 1860 km railway links Dar-es-Salam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia, facilitating the export of minerals. Not to mention the Abuja-Kaduna line in Nigeria, a modern 180 km railway line, improving connectivity and passenger transport in Nigeria, and the Khartoum-Port Sudan railway, a 780 km line linking the Sudanese capital to the main port, supporting maritime trade. In addition, according to a report published on Monday 10 March 2025 by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS), ‘Chinese state-owned enterprises are involved in 78 African ports, as lenders, builders or operators, representing 33% of all port infrastructure on the continent, as part of a strategy to boost bilateral trade flows and serve geostrategic objectives linked to the transformation of the world order’. These projects have played a key role in the development of the continent's maritime infrastructure, boosting trade and regional connectivity. Also over the past 25 years, thanks to the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has built more than 20 airports in countries such as Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, Angola, Zambia, Chad, Rwanda, Gabon, Nigeria and Senegal.  

In the field of energy and electricity, China has invested in more than 80 large-scale energy projects, including hydroelectric dams and solar power plants, to meet growing energy needs. To give an idea of the impact of Chinese cooperation in the sector, Africa's 8 largest power dams have received Chinese funding. In Angola, we have two dams. The Lauca dam, the second largest Angolan gravity dam built in cooperation with the Chinese company China Gezhouba Group Corporporation (CGGC). Together with the Caculo Cabaça dam, it is located on the Kwanza river in the north of the country, with an installed capacity of around 2,070 MW and a height of some 132 metres, at a total cost of around 4.5 billion dollars. Scheduled to come on stream in 2020, the dam will supply electricity to 10 of Angola's 18 provinces, or around 10 million people, including the capital Luanda. The Caculo Cabaça dam on the Kwanza river is a major Sino-Angolan cooperation project, with an installed capacity of 2,172 MW and a height of 103 metres. Built by the Chinese company China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC) at a cost of around 4.5 billion dollars, the dam is partly financed by Chinese loans and is expected to meet 50% of Angola's energy needs.

In Ethiopia, the Koysha dam, also known as the Gilgel Gibe IV dam, is a major hydroelectric project in the country, built with Chinese cooperation at a cost of around 2.5 billion dollars. Located on the Omo River, with an installed capacity of 2,160 MW, it is the second largest dam in Ethiopia. In Tanzania, the Julius Nyerere Dam, formerly known as the Rufiji Dam, is a major hydroelectric project built with Chinese cooperation. Located on the Rufiji river, it aims to produce 2115 MW of electricity and is 134 m high. Built at a total cost of around 3.6 billion dollars, the dam, announced for 2022, could finally be operational in 2027. Between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Batoka Gorge dam on the Zambezi River is a major hydroelectric project involving Chinese cooperation, with an installed capacity of 2,400 MW. The project has been awarded to a consortium comprising General Electric (GE) and Power Construction of China (POWERCHINA). At a cost of around 4 to 5 billion dollars, it aims to improve the electricity supply and support the industrialisation of the region.  

In Nigeria, the Mambilla dam is a hydroelectric megaproject that will be connected to three dams on the Donga river in Tabara State, with an installed capacity of 3050 KW. The project has been entrusted to a Chinese consortium comprising China Gezhouba Group Corporation (CGGC), Sinohydro and CGCOC Group, at a cost of around 5.8 billion dollars. Financed to 85% by the Exim Bank of China, it aims to improve Nigeria's electricity supply and support economic development. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Inga III dam, also known as Grand Inga, located on the Congo River, is an ambitious hydroelectric project involving Chinese cooperation. At the project stage, it could surpass all existing power stations, with an installed capacity of 11,000 MW, at a cost of around 14 billion dollars. The dam is intended to supply electricity to the DRC and export it to neighbouring countries such as South Africa.

FOCAC and China's Financial Support to Africa

Over the past 25 years, China has provided around $170 billion in financial support to Africa. These funds have mainly been used to finance transport infrastructure projects (such as roads, railways, ports, airports), to improve regional and international connectivity. Projects in the agricultural sector (such as agricultural demonstration centres, financial investments, specific projects, bilateral cooperation), which have contributed to reducing poverty and improving food security on the continent. Projects in the energy sector (such as the development of hydroelectric dams, solar power plants and oil projects), to meet the continent's growing energy needs. Real estate and urbanisation projects (such as social housing projects and urban development), to improve living conditions on the continent. Projects in the extractive industries (exploitation of natural resources), particularly metals and minerals. These investments have contributed to the modernisation of the continent, while strengthening Sino-African relations. At the end of the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in September 2024, President XI Jinping announced financial support of 50 billion dollars over three years to strengthen economic ties and promote modernisation in Africa. These investments will boost Africa's development, particularly in the fields of industry, agribusiness and talent training.

FOCAC and technology transfer to Africa

FOCAC has helped to build technological capacity in Africa, particularly in agriculture - China has shared its technological expertise to modernise farming practices in Africa, notably through mechanisation and irrigation projects. Renewable energies - Chinese technologies have been introduced to develop solar and wind energy infrastructures, contributing to the continent's energy transition. Training and innovation - technical training centres and university partnerships have been set up to strengthen local skills and promote innovation; and digital infrastructure - China has supported the development of telecommunications networks and digital infrastructure, promoting connectivity and Internet access.   

FOCAC, Education and Training in Africa

Over the past 25 years, Sino-African cooperation in the field of education and training has been impressive. This is demonstrated through scholarships—China has offered thousands of scholarships to African students to pursue their studies at Chinese universities, covering diverse fields such as engineering, medicine, and agriculture, thus strengthening local skills. Vocational Training Centers—several centers have been established in Africa to develop local skills in sectors such as technology, construction, and industry, meeting the needs of the labor market. Confucius Institutes—there are more than 60 Confucius Institutes spread across the five African regions, including Benin, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt. Typically located in universities or educational centers, they aim to teach Chinese language and culture, fostering better mutual understanding between China and Africa. Academic partnerships - partnerships in the form of collaborations between Chinese and African universities have enabled faculty exchanges, joint research programs, and knowledge sharing. Finally, China has organized short-term technical training programs for thousands of African officials and professionals, strengthening their skills in specific areas.

FOCAC, Economy and Trade in Africa

Over the past 25 years, FOCAC has played a key role in building a community of shared destiny between China and Africa, while addressing the challenges of sustainable development and modernization. In addition to the infrastructure, energy, mining and natural resources, education, and vocational training sectors discussed above, China has played a key role in financing and developing agricultural projects in Africa. One example is the establishment of Agricultural Demonstration Centers. To this end, China has established 24 agricultural technology demonstration centers across Africa, introducing more than 300 advanced agricultural technologies. These innovations have increased local crop yields by 30 to 60%. China's involvement in agriculture on the African continent also includes financial investments. Chinese companies have invested approximately $1.77 billion in agricultural projects in Africa, with an average annual growth rate of 11.4%. In addition, specific projects have been implemented. Initiatives such as cassava industrialization have increased yields and supported local processing of agricultural products. This is not to mention bilateral cooperation. China has collaborated with African partner countries to modernize agriculture, improve value chains, and promote food security. This process has been strengthened since the 9th FOCAC Summit in Beijing in September 2024, which endorsed President Xi Jinping's initiative for the development of agribusiness in Africa.

Over the past 25 years, Sino-African cooperation in the field of health has led to significant progress in strengthening health systems in Africa. These include the construction of medical infrastructure - China has financed and built several modern hospitals, including the Army Training Hospital (HIA) in Parakou, Benin, the General Reference Hospital in Niamey, Niger, the Sino-Central African Friendship Hospital in Bangui, Central African Republic, not to mention the hospital ships that provide mobile medical care, etc. -. Chinese medical missions, which for more than 40 years have seen thousands of doctors treat millions of patients and carry out thousands of procedures in the fields of surgery, gynecology and traditional Chinese medicine, thus contributing to improving access to healthcare in Africa. Capacity building, in which China has supported the establishment of disease control centers, such as the Africa CDC headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, which plays a crucial role in epidemic prevention and management. Training and skills transfer, through training programs for African health professionals, helps strengthen local skills and improve the quality of care.

Over the past 25 years, Sino-African cooperation in technology and telecommunications has transformed the continent's digital and technological landscape. China has played a major role in the development of telecommunications networks in Africa, notably with the construction of submarine cables and 4G and 5G networks. Through partnerships with Chinese companies such as Huawei and ZTE, internet access has significantly improved in many African countries. Furthermore, training programs have been established to strengthen local skills in technology and telecommunications. China has also supported the development of African technology startups, fostering innovation and job creation. Platforms such as Alibaba have contributed to the growth of e-commerce in Africa, facilitating trade.

FOCAC Makes China Africa's Largest Trading Partner

Specifically, Sino-African trade cooperation has grown dramatically over the past 25 years. Bilateral trade between China and Africa has grown from $10 billion in 2000 to over $250 billion in 2023, making China Africa's largest trading partner, with over 10,000 Chinese companies operating on African soil. Africa mainly imports manufactured goods, including machinery, textiles, vehicles, and electronic equipment, thus supporting the continent's industrial development. Raw materials such as oil, cobalt, and copper, as well as agricultural products (avocados, soybeans, pineapples, chili peppers, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, and spices) account for a large portion of African exports to China. Since December 1, 2024, China has also eliminated customs duties on 100% of taxable imports from Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with which it maintains diplomatic relations, including 33 African countries – including Benin, Togo, Ethiopia, Niger, Mozambique, and Sudan. This is in response to President XI Jinping's announcement at the 8^th FOCAC Ministerial Conference held in Dakar in November 2021. He also indicated that the objective is to increase total Chinese imports from the African continent to $100 billion per year from 2022, then to $300 billion per year by 2035. Also, China has invested in the creation of special economic zones in Africa, to stimulate local production and exports. For example, the Suez Canal Economic Zone managed to attract 128 projects in industrial and port zones, between July 2023 and March 2024, with an investment cost of more than $3 billion, 40% of which were Chinese investments. We have other African countries such as Benin, Ethiopia and Zambia. Finally, the Belt and Road Initiative has strengthened trade infrastructure, facilitating trade between China and Africa. The value of trade between China and Africa reached $295.56 billion in 2024, an increase of 4.8%.

In light of all the above, the 25 years of FOCAC have profoundly transformed Africa and the lives of Africans in all vital sectors of the economy agreed upon by China and the countries concerned. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation stands out from other international summits for its unique approach and specific objectives. Unlike other summits that primarily involve countries of the North, FOCAC emphasizes cooperation between China and African countries, fostering a partnership based on equality and mutual respect. Second, it is an institutionalized platform that meets regularly to discuss priorities and joint projects. This contrasts with some summits, which are more ad hoc. FOCAC aims to promote economic development, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges between China and Africa, while other summits often have objectives that prioritize the specific interests of these partners. In addition, China is committed to long-term projects in Africa, such as infrastructure construction and technology transfer, which is not always the case at other summits. Finally, on the protocol front, President XI Jinping and high-level leaders of the Chinese government and parliament personally receive the African heads of state and government present at FOCAC. This proves, if proof were still needed, that China-Africa is first and foremost a matter of the heart, beyond business. This makes all the difference and makes FOCAC, 25 years later, a label of success for the Global South and a model of cooperation that imposes on traditional partners with Africa, an approach more respectful of the aspirations of the black continent to think for itself.

About the author:

Héribert-Label Adjovi, Editor-in-Chief of the Pan-African Magazine Le Label Diplomatique, President of the Pan-African Journalists Caucus.