China-Africa cooperation: A Pillar for Global South Development

Photo provided to Guangming Online

As one of the 64 African scholars who collectively wrote to the President of China, I take pride in our unified message—a call to strengthen ties between Africa and China for the mutual benefits of our regions and the Global South. This initiative came together through a shared understanding of the importance of fostering stronger academic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between Africa and China. Each of us is dedicated to advancing our fields of study, and we recognize the potential for deepening cooperation in these areas.

The decision to send this letter was driven by the recognition of the immense progress that China has made in global leadership, particularly in sectors like infrastructure, education, and technology. We believe that African scholars, by forging a closer relationship with China, can benefit greatly from the exchange of knowledge, research collaboration and the innovative practices that are shaping the world today. This joint letter, therefore, represents a collective effort to highlight the importance of this cooperation and to express our shared hope for future collaboration in these critical fields.

Common Aspirations of the Global South

Countries in the Global South share several common interests that stem from their historical experiences, economic needs, and developmental aspirations. These include striving for economic development through poverty reduction, industrialization, infrastructure improvement, and job creation for their growing populations. They also prioritize maintaining political sovereignty and reducing dependence on developed nations in both economic and political decision-making.

In addition to the shared interests and aspirations of the Global South, these countries also face significant similar challenges that hinder their progress. Despite global economic growth, many nations in the Global South remain marginalized, struggling with economic inequality in terms of income, access to resources, and development opportunities. Their ability to invest in critical sectors like healthcare, education, and infrastructure is further constrained by high levels of debt, often exacerbated by loans from the Global North.

Furthermore, these countries are subjected to geopolitical pressures from more powerful nations, which frequently influence their economic and political decisions in ways that can undermine their sovereignty. Environmental sustainability is another pressing issue, with many nations in the Global South grappling with environmental degradation, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and the severe impacts of climate change, all of which threaten their future development and well-being.

Unity as a Catalyst for Progress

In this context, it is crucial for the countries in the Global South to advocate for a shared future because their collective strength can create a more equitable global system. If they remain divided or continue to be dependent on developed countries, their development will be constrained by external forces.

By forming alliances, the Global South can better negotiate favorable trade terms, seek fairer international policies, and push for global reforms that address their specific needs. Working together allows for the exchange of resources, expertise, and innovations that can help solve shared problems, such as environmental challenges or economic inequality. Strengthening solidarity within the Global South helps protect their sovereignty and reduces undue external influence on their domestic policies, enabling them to chart their own development paths.

Observations on the China-Africa Partnership

New China-Africa relations have deep historical roots that date back to the 1950s and 1960s, during the era of African independence movements. China, under Mao Zedong, aligned itself with newly independent African nations, supporting them in their struggle against colonialism and imperialism. The early relationship was largely based on ideological solidarity, with China offering diplomatic, technical, and material support to African countries. The establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 formalized China's commitment to fostering stronger ties with Africa. The foundation laid during this early phase has set the stage for a more robust and multifaceted partnership in the years that followed.

In recent years, China has emerged as a significant partner for Africa, with bilateral trade reaching unprecedented levels. China’s contributions to Africa have been particularly visible in the realm of infrastructure, with extensive investments in roads, railways, airports, and ports. These investments have not only bolstered economic growth, but also facilitated stronger regional integration, promoting greater connectivity across the continent.

China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade surpassing $200 billion annually. The exchange of raw materials from Africa for Chinese machinery, electronics, and consumer goods has been a significant driver of economic activity. As this trade relationship continues to expand, it plays an increasingly central role in shaping both Africa’s economic landscape and its broader ties with the Global South.

Beyond infrastructure and trade, China has made significant contributions to human capital development, offering scholarships, educational programs, and technical training to thousands of African students. These educational exchanges play a vital role in equipping the next generation of African leaders and professionals with the skills necessary to drive their countries’ development. Similarly, China’s health cooperation with Africa has proven equally impactful, helping address critical public health challenges, including the supply of medical equipment, personnel, and infrastructure to combat diseases like malaria and HIV/AIDS.

The partnership also extends to peacekeeping efforts, where China has contributed troops and resources to UN missions in Africa, further cementing its commitment to regional stability. These efforts across various sectors underscore the comprehensive nature of China-Africa collaboration, which goes beyond trade and infrastructure to include education, health, and security. This multifaceted cooperation has nurtured a sense of solidarity, positioning the China-Africa partnership as a critical pillar of South-South collaboration.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, the future of China-Africa relations appears promising, driven by mutual interests in economic growth, trade diversification, and infrastructure development. The "Beijing Declaration on Jointly Building an All-Weather China-Africa Community with a Shared Future for the New Era," made at the 2024 FOCAC Summit, underscores the long-term commitment to partnership based on mutual benefit and shared growth. As Africa undergoes rapid demographic expansion, collaboration in high-tech industries, urbanization, education, and healthcare is expected to deepen.

Technology and innovation will be key drivers of future cooperation. As Africa embraces the Fourth Industrial Revolution, China's expertise in digital technologies, e-commerce, fintech, and smart-city solutions can support Africa’s digital transformation. The deployment of 5G networks and e-commerce platforms, exemplified by China’s collaboration with South Africa in telecommunications and high-tech sectors, demonstrates the potential for expanded cooperation.

With the global focus on climate change and sustainability, there is also an opportunity for China and Africa to cooperate more closely in renewable energy, green technologies, and environmental protection. China’s expertise in solar, wind, and hydroelectric power generation can help African nations meet their growing energy needs while reducing their carbon footprints.

Another crucial area for collaboration lies in industrialization and value-added manufacturing. While Africa has traditionally exported raw materials to China, future cooperation could focus on developing local processing and manufacturing industries. By investing in refining and production technologies, China can help African economies move up the value chain, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. South Africa’s mining sector, particularly in platinum and gold, exemplifies the potential for deeper industrial partnerships.

Equally important is the need to strengthen public health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of strong healthcare systems, and China’s role in vaccine distribution and medical assistance in Africa highlights the benefits of continued collaboration. Expanding cooperation in healthcare infrastructure and digital health services will enhance Africa’s resilience to future health crises.

Finally, regional integration and connectivity will play a crucial role in shaping economic ties. China's infrastructure investments, such as the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway, contribute to Africa’s vision of enhanced connectivity and economic integration. Improved transport networks and reduced trade barriers will help African nations maximize their economic potentials, fostering a more interconnected and prosperous continent.

By deepening cooperation in these key areas, China and Africa can build a future that is technologically advanced, economically vibrant, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive. The long-term commitment to common growth and shared prosperity ensures that the China-Africa partnership will continue to thrive in the years to come.

Contributed by Siafa G. Sheriff, President of the Liberia-China Friendship Organization (LICFO)