China Hosts Major Africa Cooperation Summit Amid Rising Economic Ties and Dependence

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From Wednesday to Friday, China is hosting the Forum for China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing, welcoming over a dozen African heads of state and government. The summit focuses on boosting economic collaboration, with the theme "Joining Hands for a Better Future." However, as China increases its presence in Africa, concerns rise about the continent’s growing economic dependence on Beijing.

This triennial forum is the largest diplomatic event in China since the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping, leaders from 53 African countries are attending, with Eswatini being the only nation absent due to its diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

Several agreements have already been signed during the summit. These include a deal to refurbish a railway between Tanzania and Zambia and a financial cooperation agreement with Nigeria. China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with trade volumes between them reaching €152 billion in the first half of 2024.

As China invests heavily in African infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative, international observers have raised concerns about the growing debt burden of African nations, which is linked to loans provided by China. The summit highlights the importance of Africa's strategic role in global geopolitics and economic development.