On September 5, 2024, President Xi Jinping delivered a significant speech at the opening of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In the context of strengthening relations between China and Africa, the President reiterated China's commitment to supporting Africa in its journey towards modernization. Highlighting the historical and fraternal ties that unite the two continents, he proposed an ambitious cooperation plan based on ten strategic actions for joint modernization. These initiatives, spread over three years, aim to promote mutually beneficial cooperation in multiple sectors.
The ten partnership actions proposed by Xi Jinping:
1. Partnership for Mutual Inspiration Between Civilizations
China and Africa will establish a platform for exchanging governance experiences and create 25 Sino-African study centers to promote better mutual understanding.
2. Partnership for Trade Prosperity
China will grant tariff-free access for 100% of products from certain African countries and will expand access for African agricultural products to its market, thereby promoting strengthened bilateral trade.
3. Partnership for Cooperation on Industrial Chains
China and Africa will work together to develop industrial cooperation, notably by launching economic zones and technology centers on the African continent.
4. Partnership for Infrastructure Interconnection
Thirty infrastructure projects will be implemented to strengthen connectivity between African countries, with active support for the development of the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area).
5. Partnership for Development
China and Africa will deepen their cooperation under the Global Development Initiative, with 1,000 social interest projects planned to improve living conditions on the African continent.
6. Partnership for Health
Support will be provided to the health sector in Africa with the deployment of 2,000 Chinese medical professionals and the implementation of 20 medical projects, including malaria control.
7. Partnership for Agriculture Benefiting the Population
China will help develop African agriculture with agricultural demonstration zones and by sending 500 agronomy experts to support food security.
8. Partnership for Human and Cultural Exchanges
Emphasis will be placed on education and vocational training, with 60,000 training opportunities for young Africans, as well as enhanced cultural exchanges through joint programs.
9. Partnership for Green Development
China commits to supporting the ecological transition in Africa with 30 clean energy projects and cooperation on natural disaster management and biodiversity.
10. Partnership for Common Security
China will provide military aid of 1 billion RMB yuan and train 6,000 African military professionals to enhance security and stability on the continent.
