China-Africa’s strategic partnership for growth and cooperation

The bond between China and Africa is rooted in a history of mutual support, from the early diplomatic efforts in the 1970s to the modern-day economic collaborations.

Onyango K’Onyango
7 Min Read
Highlights
  • China has proven to be a vital partner for Africa in its efforts to modernize and industrialize. Through initiatives like the BRI and FOCAC, China has assisted African nations in overcoming key challenges such as infrastructure deficits and economic underdevelopment, while fostering closer trade and economic ties.

China and Africa have nurtured a deep, evolving relationship over decades, which was officially elevated to a strategic partnership during the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing last year.

This partnership, which stretches back to the 1970s when China sought Africa’s support in securing its United Nations seat, has grown significantly in the years since, evolving with initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and fostering mutual growth.

The bond between China and Africa is rooted in a history of mutual support, from the early diplomatic efforts in the 1970s to the modern-day economic collaborations. China has long recognized Africa as a valuable partner, and over the last 35 years, it has maintained an annual tradition of strengthening ties with African nations at the start of each year. These visits reaffirm China’s commitment to Africa, even amidst global challenges, and demonstrate its enduring role as a reliable partner.

This bilateral relationship has been built on the principle of mutual respect and reciprocity. In the 1970s, when China sought African support to secure its place in the United Nations, Africa’s gesture of solidarity deeply impacted the Chinese people. Since then, China has stood by Africa in its development journey, contributing to substantial infrastructural growth and fostering economic progress. As of 2023, China-Africa trade reached a record high of $282.1 billion, marking the second consecutive year of growth, with China now maintaining “strategic partnerships” with all 53 African countries it engages with.

China’s role as Africa’s partner goes beyond economic exchanges. The Asian economic giant has worked closely with African nations to advance their collective interests, helping to promote Africa’s influence on the global stage. Beijing has actively supported the inclusion of African countries in global governance, particularly advocating for expanded representation in the United Nations Security Council. This is seen as a reflection of China’s commitment to strengthening the partnership with Africa and aligning with African perspectives on international issues.

China’s backing of Africa is evident in both practical and diplomatic support. For instance, between 2000 and 2020, China supported African countries in 82 percent of cases where both sides voted together on United Nations resolutions. This long-standing support extends to Africa’s call for a more inclusive framework in global governance, a cause that Beijing has championed during recent FOCAC summits.

Sino-African relations have flourished under the FOCAC and the BRI, which have provided frameworks for advancing cooperation across multiple sectors, such as trade, health, security, and green development. Through these initiatives, China has helped address some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, including infrastructure deficits and economic underdevelopment. The tangible results of these collaborations have boosted trade, enhanced connectivity, and contributed to regional integration, further solidifying the economic ties between the two regions.

Unlike Western countries, which often impose political conditions on their aid, China has taken a different approach by offering loans and financial support that empower African nations to pursue projects aligned with their national priorities. This approach enables African countries to strengthen their self-reliance and achieve long-term economic development. China’s infrastructure investments across the continent, such as roads, railways, ports, and technology, have helped spur positive economic growth indicators, making China an indispensable partner in Africa’s modernization and industrialization efforts.

China’s consistent support for Africa extends to its stance on global issues. At the recent FOCAC summit, China pledged to continue respecting African countries’ sovereignty, emphasizing that it would not interfere in their internal affairs or impose political conditions on assistance. This stance contrasts sharply with what many African nations perceive as the neocolonialism of Western powers, which have often imposed sanctions or meddled in the internal affairs of African countries. In contrast, China has committed to promoting friendship and cooperation with Africa without imposing such conditions, fostering a relationship based on equality and mutual benefit.

A key area of cooperation between China and Africa is climate change. In September 2024, China joined African countries in condemning the unilateral coercive measures imposed by developed countries, which hinder developing nations’ right to sustainable development. China has also opposed protectionist measures like the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), which it views as harmful to developing countries’ climate goals. Beijing has called for global cooperation based on equity and common but differentiated responsibilities, urging that financial support and technology transfer be made available to developing countries to help them transition to greener energy solutions.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent tour of Africa further exemplifies China’s ongoing commitment to the partnership. Wang Yi reiterated China’s dedication to following through on the 10 partnership action plans outlined during the FOCAC summit. These plans, which cover areas such as mutual learning, trade, industrial cooperation, connectivity, health, agriculture, cultural exchanges, green development, and security, aim to address key challenges faced by African nations and create a platform for continued collaboration. If fully implemented, these initiatives will help African nations overcome infrastructure deficits and other obstacles, promoting long-term economic growth and stability.

China has proven to be a vital partner for Africa in its efforts to modernize and industrialize. Through initiatives like the BRI and FOCAC, China has assisted African nations in overcoming key challenges such as infrastructure deficits and economic underdevelopment, while fostering closer trade and economic ties.

Unlike many Western nations, China’s approach to cooperation with Africa is based on mutual respect, non-interference, and long-term collaboration, positioning China as a steadfast partner in Africa’s growth and development. With both sides committed to advancing their shared interests, Sino-African relations are poised to remain a cornerstone of global cooperation for years to come.

The writer is a journalist and communication consultant

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