China-Africa Summit: Major Agreements and Strategic Partnerships Formed

Chinese President Xi Jinping, alongside Tanzanian and Zambian leaders, signed an MoU for the Tanzania-Zambia Railway revitalization. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in Beijing highlights China's strategic partnerships and investment pledges in Africa amidst global tensions.

BEIJING—Chinese President Xi Jinping, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the revitalization of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) railway. The event took place Wednesday during the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), state-run Xinhua News reported.

The 1,860-kilometer railway, originally funded by a $400 million interest-free loan from China, connects Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. The summit, which runs from September 4 to 6, is the ninth edition of FOCAC and is being held amidst ongoing conflicts in Africa, West Asia, Ukraine, and increased Chinese activity in the Pacific.

Chinese media indicated that this gathering is the largest diplomatic event hosted by China in recent years. On Wednesday, Xi Jinping and Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye attended a signing ceremony for new cooperation agreements. Xi also met with leaders from Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, and Ethiopia, underscoring the tangible benefits of improved bilateral relations.

China aims to strengthen its strategic cooperative partnership with Senegal, focusing on modernization and economic collaboration, according to state media reports. On Tuesday, China and Nigeria announced a 'comprehensive strategic partnership,' with Nigerian President Bola Tinubu hopeful about becoming China's largest trade and investment partner in Africa.

Tinubu invited Chinese firms to enhance investments in Nigeria's agriculture, manufacturing, and mineral energy sectors, potentially aiding poverty reduction efforts. China is also financing 85% of the $5.8 billion Mambilla hydroelectric project, poised to become Nigeria's largest power plant by 2030.

On September 3, Chinese Premier Li Qiang met with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, who is on a state visit. Earlier in the week, Xi Jinping and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa agreed to elevate their bilateral relationship.

According to CNN, this summit serves as Beijing's opportunity to position itself as a leader of the Global South, in contrast to the United States. China seeks to make Africa a key market for its green technologies, including solar panels and electric vehicles.

In 2021, China pledged to import $300 billion worth of goods from Africa by 2024. However, several African nations attending the summit are grappling with heavy international debt, much of it owed to China. They are looking for more investment and trade opportunities to stabilize their economies.

Chinese President Xi has made significant diplomatic efforts in Africa, with five visits to the continent since 2013 and hosting at least 20 African leaders in China since 2023, according to state media reports. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)