The 2024 China-Africa Summit, officially known as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), is currently underway in Beijing. This significant event, held every three years since 2000, aims to strengthen ties between China and African nations. The summit, running from September 4 to 6, is the ninth of its kind and is expected to set the tone for future cooperation in areas such as industrialization, agricultural advancements, security, and the Belt and Road Initiative.

More economic movement between Asia and Africa should be a welcome addition. The China-Africa Summit aims to create more opportunities on both continents, which in turn should help foster more opportunities global businesses as well.

According to Chinese media, during his meeting with Senegalese President Faye, Chinese President Xi Jinping remarked that the cooperation between Senegal and China has led to numerous successful projects, fostering Senegal’s economic growth and enhancing the well-being of its citizens. Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his hope for China to further increase its investments in Kenya and expand practical bilateral cooperation across various sectors, particularly in connectivity, new energy, and youth development. While, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa conveyed to Xi that Zimbabwe is eager to deepen collaboration in infrastructure, agriculture, minerals, and new energy, and support Zimbabwe’s modernization efforts.

Meanwhile, media in the United States has been closely following the summit. Outlets such as The New York Times, CNN, and The Washington Post have reported on the event. The general consensus among these media outlets is that the summit represents a strategic move by China to bolster its influence in Africa through investment and infrastructure projects.

Global businesses are also very interested in the events. John Winston, 45, CEO of a private investment bank in New York, believes that stronger China-Africa ties will open new markets for American businesses. “The infrastructure projects funded by China will create opportunities for American companies to provide goods and services,” he says. Emily Johnson, 38, Founder of a green tech consultancy in San Francisco, sees the partnership as a way to promote sustainable development. “China’s investment in renewable energy projects in Africa aligns with our mission to create a greener planet,” she explains. Michael Brown, 50, President of an export company in Toronto, emphasizes the importance of global trade. “Better business ties between China and Africa will lead to a more interconnected global economy, benefiting businesses worldwide,” he notes. 

From Africa, Thabo Mbeki, a 55-year-old tourism entrepreneur in Cape Town, highlights the economic benefits of increased Chinese tourism. “Chinese tourists are spending more in our country, boosting local businesses and creating jobs,” he says. Nhlanhla Dlamini, a 48-year-old businessman in Johannesburg, sees Chinese investment as a stabilizing force. “The influx of Chinese capital is helping to build infrastructure and create stability, which is crucial for economic growth,” he states.

Many economists and global business leaders share the view that China’s rapid development and commitment to fostering international partnerships are remarkable. The transformation of cities like Beijing and Shanghai into modern hubs of technological innovation and infrastructure development is evident everywhere. These advancements illustrate why China is keen to extend its influence and cooperation to Africa, a continent rich in potential and opportunities.

The 2024 China-Africa Summit in Beijing represents a crucial juncture that highlights the escalating significance of the connections between China and Africa. With prominent African leaders present and considerable media attention from the United States, this summit is set to influence the trajectory of global cooperation and development.

Economists emphasize that international trade is not a zero-sum game; it does not operate like a seesaw where one party’s gain is another’s loss. Instead, an improved global economy benefits all parties involved. This perspective suggests that better business ties between China and Africa should not be viewed as competition for the United States but rather as an opportunity for mutual growth and prosperity.