'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has called for sustained global collaboration to achieve shared progress and prosperity during his address at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Beijing. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, President Tinubu hailed the China-Africa partnership as a model of sustainable development and mutual respect, stressing the importance of continued cooperation to unlock unprecedented growth for both regions.
President Tinubu highlighted the transformative impact of the China-Africa partnership, citing it as a powerful example of how nations can work together to achieve collective prosperity. He emphasized that global progress is not a zero-sum game but rather a cooperative effort that creates opportunities for sustainable development. The President further called for the maintenance of peaceful dialogue, transparent business practices, and diplomatic conflict resolution to deepen the bond between Africa and China.
“The success of FOCAC and our broader partnership underscores that global progress is not a zero-sum game. By working together, we create opportunities for sustainable development and shared prosperity. This partnership is not just about our shared history but also about a bold collective vision for the future,” Tinubu stated.
During the summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged $50 billion in financial support for Africa, alongside military aid and an additional $280 million in aid for African countries. President Xi outlined a 10-point action plan to be implemented over the next three years, which covers areas such as trade, industrial cooperation, health, agriculture, and green economic development. He also proposed elevating China-Africa relations to a strategic level, establishing an "all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era."
President Tinubu expressed optimism about China's commitment to Africa, noting the alignment of China's Belt and Road Initiative with Africa’s infrastructure goals. He congratulated FOCAC co-chair President Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal and praised China for its unwavering support for Africa, particularly in financial and developmental aid. Tinubu further stressed the importance of non-interference in internal politics, a principle that has helped the China-Africa partnership remain strong in the face of global challenges.
President Xi’s announcement also included RMB360 billion yuan ($50 billion) in financial support for Africa over the next three years, consisting of credit lines, assistance, and investments by Chinese companies. He encouraged African nations to issue panda bonds in China to enhance cooperation across various sectors.
The FOCAC summit marks another significant milestone in the flourishing economic relationship between China and Africa, with trade between the two regions reaching $280 billion. Both leaders expressed optimism that this partnership would continue to drive global peace, prosperity, and progress for years to come.
