BEIJING, September 4, 2024 – Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged to strengthen infrastructure and trade cooperation with African nations during a major summit in Beijing, highlighting China’s continued commitment to the continent despite growing economic and geopolitical challenges.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in the Great Hall of the People, Xi declared that the relationship between China and Africa is in its “best period in history.” He assured the assembled leaders of more than 50 African nations, as well as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, that China is eager to further collaborate in key sectors such as industry, agriculture, and investment.
“China is ready to deepen cooperation with African countries in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade, and investment,” Xi stated, emphasizing the mutual benefits of these partnerships.
China, the world’s second-largest economy, remains Africa’s largest trading partner. Over the years, Beijing has invested billions in infrastructure projects across the continent, ranging from railways to ports, helping to drive economic development but also sparking concerns over rising debt levels among African nations.
In the days leading up to the summit, African leaders secured several commitments from China for enhanced cooperation. Zambia, for instance, signed a deal with PowerChina to expand the use of rooftop solar panels, while Nigeria and China agreed to deepen cooperation in transportation, ports, and free trade zones.
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan received assurances from Xi on the long-delayed railway project connecting Tanzania to Zambia, with Beijing reportedly committing $1 billion to the initiative. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe secured promises for deeper collaboration in agriculture, mining, and energy, along with a new agreement to export avocados to China.
Kenya also emerged as a key beneficiary of China’s commitments, with President William Ruto securing promises to expand the Standard Gauge Railway and a $1.2 billion pledge towards the Rironi-Mau Summit-Malaba motorway project.
As Beijing continues to extend its influence across Africa, analysts suggest that China’s approach may be evolving in response to domestic economic challenges and its intensifying rivalry with the United States. Despite these challenges, the flurry of deals announced at the FOCAC summit underscores China’s ongoing strategic interest in Africa’s vast resources and markets.
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