By Alpha Mohamed Jalloh, Director China Africa Institute University of Makeni
In a powerful show of solidarity and renewed commitment to shared development, Chinese President Xi Jinping and President of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso, delivered congratulatory messages to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Changsha, the capital of central China’s Hunan Province.
President Xi acknowledged the complexities of the current global landscape, describing it as a time of profound change and instability. In this context, he reaffirmed China’s unwavering dedication to contributing positively to the global order. He emphasized that China’s continued modernization offers new opportunities for international partners, particularly those in the Global South, including African nations.
A key highlight of President Xi’s message was China’s proposal to sign a China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. This groundbreaking initiative aims to grant zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines to 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China. The policy is expected to provide significant economic relief and open up greater access for African exports to the vast Chinese market, especially from the least developed nations.
Beyond trade, President Xi outlined an ambitious roadmap for collaboration in ten strategic areas crucial to modernization. These include joint efforts in green industry, digital commerce, electronic payments, scientific innovation, and artificial intelligence. He also emphasized the importance of enhancing cooperation in security, financial systems, and rule of law, all geared towards ensuring high-quality, resilient development.
President Denis Sassou Nguesso also echoed strong support for the forum’s objectives, calling for deeper and more sustainable ties between Africa and China.
A New Chapter in South-South Cooperation
As an African scholar witnessing these developments, I believe this ministerial meeting marks a critical juncture in China-Africa relations. It is no longer just about infrastructure and trade—it is about co-creating a future centered on innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.
China’s zero-tariff commitment, if effectively implemented, could significantly boost Africa’s industrialization efforts and reduce trade deficits. This is not merely a gesture of goodwill; it is a strategic economic recalibration that recognizes Africa as a rising partner, not just a beneficiary.
Moreover, the focus on artificial intelligence, green industry, and digital transformation aligns with Africa’s need to leapfrog into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The potential for shared research, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange offers a unique path for African nations to build their capacity and assert greater agency in the global economy.
However, success will depend on mutual accountability, transparency, and alignment with local development priorities. African leaders must engage these opportunities proactively, ensuring that the benefits are equitably distributed and rooted in sustainable development principles.
Conclusion
In times of global uncertainty, forums like FOCAC remind us that international cooperation can still thrive—especially when it is built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a vision for common prosperity. As China and Africa continue to chart this path together, the world should pay close attention: a new model of partnership is emerging—one that could redefine the contours of global development for decades to come. Let us embrace it and implement it to the fullest for the benefit of the continent.
