As the world grapples with increasing instability, economic volatility, and a retreat from multilateralism, Africa-China cooperation has emerged as a pivotal force in shaping a more balanced and just global order. Former South African diplomat Gert Grobler recently underscored the critical role of this partnership, particularly in addressing the pressing challenges facing the Global South.
Speaking during the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Grobler highlighted the stark reality of an international system marked by protectionism, isolationism, and diminishing multilateral efforts, particularly by Western nations. “We are living in an unfair and unjust world between the United States and other Western countries,” he remarked, emphasising that Africa’s engagement with China offers a viable path towards a fairer economic and political landscape.
Africa’s collaboration with China is not just about economic exchanges but extends to broader development and security concerns. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative have provided Africa with concrete mechanisms to advance infrastructure, economic integration, and security cooperation. These initiatives are widely recognised across the Global South as constructive responses to the economic and political imbalances perpetuated by Western-dominated financial institutions.
China’s commitment to the Global South is evident in its continued emphasis on fair trade, investment in infrastructure, and the promotion of sustainable development. The trade volume between Africa and China reached an impressive 282 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, with China accounting for nearly 20 percent of all foreign direct investment in Africa. Moreover, the Asian economic giant has consistently supported the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), further solidifying its role as a key development partner.
Grobler pointed out that, while the United States and its Western allies have increasingly withdrawn from multilateral commitments, China has stepped up its engagement with Africa and other developing regions. The Western model, historically marked by exploitative economic arrangements and conditional aid, is losing its appeal as African nations seek alternatives that respect their sovereignty and promote genuine development.
The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has been instrumental in strengthening these ties, with the 2024 Beijing Summit setting the stage for deeper collaboration through six proposals for joint modernisation and ten partnership actions. These blueprints provide a strategic framework for economic growth, technological advancement, and security cooperation, ensuring that Africa is not merely a recipient of foreign aid but an active participant in shaping its own future.
Looking ahead, Africa and China must focus on the effective implementation of their existing cooperation mechanisms. The African Continental Free Trade Area offers a unique opportunity to integrate over 1.4 billion people into a unified market, and with China’s involvement, this initiative could transform Africa into a global economic powerhouse.
Furthermore, as geopolitical tensions continue to mount, it is imperative that Africa and China reinforce their commitment to multilateralism. Platforms like the G20, FOCAC, and BRICS provide avenues for influencing global governance and ensuring that the voices of developing nations are heard.
China’s role as a long-term, reliable partner of the Global South cannot be overstated. As Grobler aptly put it, “Together, Africa and China have a very important role to contribute not only to global peace but also to economic growth and development.” By deepening their engagement and leveraging strategic initiatives, Africa and China have the potential to create a more equitable and prosperous world order—one that prioritises cooperation over conflict, development over dependency, and fairness over-exploitation.
The Africa-China partnership is not just an economic necessity; it is a crucial element in the broader quest for global stability and sustainable development. At a time when the world is increasingly fragmented, this alliance stands as a beacon of hope for a more just and balanced international system.
