President William Ruto, alongside other African leaders, is in Beijing, China, for the 9th Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Since its establishment in 2000, FOCAC has positioned itself as one of the most significant platforms for fostering economic, political, and social ties between China and African countries.

It has typically grown to become a vital part of China’s foreign policy framework concerning Africa. As it continues to expand in scope and influence, FOCAC has attracted increasing interest from African nations eager to explore new opportunities for development and economic collaboration.

But what exactly does FOCAC mean for Africa, why has it become such an attractive proposition for African countries, and what does the future hold for this partnership?

The origins of FOCAC: Building a strategic partnership

FOCAC was launched in 2000 as a multilateral dialogue platform to deepen cooperation between China and African countries. At its core, FOCAC aims to promote diplomatic, economic, and social exchanges under the principle of South-South Cooperation. South-South Cooperation refers to collaboration between developing countries, especially in the Global South, to achieve mutual development goals without relying solely on the traditional Western-dominated global order.

Initially, FOCAC was viewed as a bold but speculative project, with many questioning the long-term viability of China’s outreach to Africa. However, the forum quickly gained traction as both China and African nations realised the potential benefits of close cooperation. China sought access to Africa’s rich natural resources and new markets for its burgeoning industries, while African countries saw in China a non-traditional partner that offered more flexible and often less conditional aid compared to Western donors and institutions like the World Bank or International Monetary Fund (IMF).

FOCAC’s role in shaping China-Africa relations

One of FOCAC’s defining aspects is its commitment to a multidimensional partnership. Rather than focusing solely on economic aid or trade, FOCAC incorporates a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, health, infrastructure, education, technology, and security. It emphasises shared development goals, mutual respect for sovereignty, and non-interference in domestic politics, which appeals to many African leaders wary of traditional Western conditionalities tied to governance reforms and human rights considerations.

The hallmark of FOCAC meetings, which are held every three years, is the adoption of comprehensive action plans. These plans outline the specific areas of cooperation and set tangible targets, such as the commitment made during the 2018 FOCAC summit in Beijing, where China pledged $60 billion in support for African development projects. These commitments include grants, interest-free loans, concessional loans, and private-sector investments, all aimed at fostering infrastructure development, enhancing trade and investment, and supporting capacity-building initiatives in African countries.

Moreover, FOCAC emphasises “win-win cooperation,” a principle that China reiterates to differentiate its model of engagement from the paternalistic approaches often associated with Western aid. This framing of the relationship has been key in cultivating trust and enhancing China’s image as a reliable partner that is invested in Africa’s long-term development, not just its natural resources.

Why African countries are increasingly interested in FOCAC

African countries are showing greater interest in FOCAC for several reasons, ranging from economic considerations to geopolitical factors. Below are some of the main reasons why FOCAC has become a cornerstone of African diplomacy.

1. Access to infrastructure investment

One of the primary reasons African countries are drawn to FOCAC is the massive influx of Chinese infrastructure investment. Africa faces a huge infrastructure gap, particularly in sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications. According to the African Development Bank, the continent requires up to $170 billion annually to meet its infrastructure needs yet faces a financing gap of around $100 billion.

China, through FOCAC and other bilateral initiatives, has positioned itself as a critical player in bridging this gap. Chinese firms have been involved in constructing major roads, bridges, airports, seaports, and railways across Africa. Notable projects include Kenya’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR), which connects Nairobi to the port city of Mombasa, and Ethiopia’s Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, which has become a key trade route.

Such projects have tangible economic benefits, boosting regional trade and connectivity while providing much-needed jobs for local populations. By aligning its investments with Africa’s infrastructure priorities, China is offering African countries a concrete path toward economic modernisation.

2.                 Diversification of foreign partnerships

Another reason for the growing interest in FOCAC is Africa’s desire to diversify its foreign partnerships. Traditionally, many African countries have been reliant on aid and investment from Western countries, institutions, and former colonial powers. However, the global economic landscape has shifted, with China emerging as a dominant global player.

African countries are increasingly recognising the value of having diversified partners to reduce dependency on any single power. China’s growing presence offers an alternative source of funding, trade, and investment, allowing African countries to enhance their bargaining power and negotiate better terms in international forums.

Additionally, China’s “no strings attached” approach to aid and loans is often seen as more palatable than the conditionalities imposed by Western institutions, which often focus on governance and human rights issues.

3.                 South-South Cooperation and mutual development

FOCAC resonates with African nations because it is framed as a partnership between equals, grounded in the principles of South-South cooperation. Unlike traditional North-South relations, where developing countries engage with developed nations, South-South cooperation emphasises collaboration between developing countries to achieve mutual development goals.

FOCAC highlights shared experiences and challenges between China and African countries. China, which has undergone rapid economic development over the past four decades, presents a model for African countries looking to achieve similar success. Beijing often highlights its experience in lifting hundreds of millions out of poverty as a template for African countries to emulate. This makes the China-Africa partnership not only an economic exchange but also a platform for knowledge-sharing and capacity-building.

4.                 Geopolitical and strategic considerations

In addition to economic and developmental reasons, geopolitical factors play a role in Africa’s increasing interest in FOCAC. As China’s rise shifts the global balance of power, many African countries see an opportunity to align themselves with an emerging superpower. By strengthening ties with China, African nations hope to gain a stronger voice in global governance institutions such as the United Nations, the World Trade Organisation, and the World Health Organisation.

Furthermore, China’s investments in peace and security initiatives, particularly through the African Union and regional bodies, have strengthened its role as a strategic partner. China has contributed to peacekeeping missions, provided military aid, and engaged in capacity-building efforts for African security forces. This growing security cooperation adds another layer of interest for African countries looking to address their internal security challenges.

Criticisms and challenges of FOCAC

While FOCAC has been hailed as a game-changer in China-Africa relations, it is not without its critics. One of the major concerns is the growing debt burden faced by African countries that have taken out loans for infrastructure projects. Some analysts argue that China’s financial assistance, while beneficial in the short term, may contribute to long-term debt dependency. This has led to accusations of “debt-trap diplomacy,” though both China and many African leaders have dismissed these claims.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about the lack of local participation in some Chinese-funded projects. In many cases, Chinese firms import their labour and materials, limiting job creation and local economic benefits. Environmental and social impacts of large-scale infrastructure projects are also points of contention, with critics arguing that proper safeguards are not always in place.

The future of FOCAC and Africa-China relations

FOCAC has emerged as a cornerstone of China-Africa relations, providing a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and investment. As African countries seek to modernise their economies, improve infrastructure, and diversify foreign partnerships, FOCAC offers a framework for achieving these goals. However, as the relationship continues to evolve, African leaders must carefully navigate the challenges that come with increased Chinese engagement, ensuring that the benefits of this partnership are broadly shared and sustainable.

Looking forward, FOCAC is likely to remain a key feature of Africa’s diplomatic landscape. As global economic and political power continues to shift, the China-Africa relationship, anchored by FOCAC, will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the continent.