The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit was held in Beijing from 4-6 September 2024, marking a significant milestone in the enduring relationship between China and Africa.[1] The Summit was attended by President Xi Jinping, Heads of State and Government from 53 African nations, Chair of the African Union (AU) Commission Moussa Faki Mahamat, and representatives from International Organisations. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was a special guest. The Summit’s theme was: “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and High-level China Africa Community with a Shared Future.”[2] Two major outcomes emerged: “Beijing Declaration” and “Action Plan”– both of which underscored a clear political consensus between China and African nations to enhance mutual cooperation across various domains, signifying the Summit’s resounding success.
Since the creation of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in 2000, the relationship has evolved into a robust partnership focused on economic growth and modernization. The Forum has been convened every three years, and the most recent gathering of the Chinese and African leadership was 9th in that sequence.
