China’s Commitment to Africa: A New Era of Cooperation

At the ninth Forum on Sino-African Cooperation (FOCAC) in ‍Beijing, China made a significant commitment to Africa.⁤ President ⁢Xi Jinping announced that China is ready to provide financial assistance worth 360 billion yuan, or over 50 billion​ dollars, to Africa over the next three years. This pledge is part of China’s efforts to ⁢strengthen its economic cooperation with Africa and create at least one million jobs on the continent.

China’s commitment to Africa ⁤is not surprising, given its long-standing desire to re-conquer African markets and ⁤become the continent’s leading economic partner. This policy has enabled China to surpass other world powers, such‍ as the United States, France, Russia, and England, in its⁢ economic cooperation with Africa. For Africa, this development can be beneficial, ‌as long as the continent knows how to make the most of the offers made to it by its “suitors.”

Africa Must Take Charge of Its Destiny

While Beijing’s commitments are promising, African countries must not lose sight of the⁤ fact that ‌only the ⁢interests of their respective people should count. A partnership, no matter how promising, is never altruistic, and China will primarily protect its own interests. Therefore, it is up to African ‌countries to know ⁢how​ to navigate cooperation relations with their partners, which ​have often been unbalanced.

Africa’s trade balance with many of its partners remains in deficit, with the continent importing more ⁤than it exports. This ⁣is not advantageous for its economy, which has huge potential due to its abundant‌ natural resources. As the famous Burkinabe historian and politician, Joseph Ki-Zerbo, said, “We are‌ not developing, we are developing.” Ultimately, it is up to Africa to take charge⁤ of its destiny and take full responsibility for itself.

Author: Siaka CISSE