China-Africa Summit Aims to Deepen Cooperation and Foster Development Amid Global Challenges

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has elevated China-Africa relations to unprecedented levels, and the 2024 summit is expected to further deepen cooperation between China, African countries, and the Global South, according to Dennis Munene Mwaniki, Executive Director of the China-Africa Center at the Africa Policy Institute. Speaking to the Global Times, Mwaniki emphasized that this summit comes at a time of rising anti-globalization trends, political instability, and a retreat of democratic practices.

Mwaniki expressed optimism about the upcoming summit, stating that it would enhance collaboration on agricultural technology, promote the “green silk road” to help Africa harness its abundant green energy resources in the fight against climate change, strengthen the continent’s healthcare system through the “health silk road,” and expand global market access via the “digital silk road.”

He highlighted that China and Africa have pledged to implement practical strategies for knowledge sharing, prioritize development, and explore people-centered approaches grounded in mutual respect and learning. The aim is to create a fair, multipolar world that supports inclusive economic globalization and reforms the international financial system to bridge development gaps.

Mwaniki noted that by aligning with international initiatives and national agendas, China and Africa intend to promote high-quality, sustainable development, stimulate domestic growth through effective markets and proactive governance, and address both traditional and non-traditional security threats to ensure a secure environment for development.

Beyond socioeconomic cooperation, China and African nations will also join forces with other countries in the Global South to tackle major global challenges at the upcoming summit. Mwaniki observed that these countries share a common history of ancient connections, joint struggles against imperialism, and aligned aspirations for freedom and development.

He emphasized that by working together, the nations of the Global South can reinforce their relationships, support diverse paths to development, and ensure that all their citizens experience genuine modernization that reflects their distinct goals and values.

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