China, Africa advance modernization in new era

FOCAC a leading mechanism for Global South

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is not only a guiding mechanism for China-Africa cooperation but also a flagship for the Global South's international cooperation with Africa, wielding significant influence. Under the leadership of FOCAC, it can be said that China-Africa relations have achieved comprehensive and leapfrog development over the past 24 years, also spurring many Chinese enterprises to enter Africa.

There are many new areas in which China and Africa can realize growth. For instance, in the field of new productive forces, we see a substantial increase in China's exports of new energy products to Africa, including new energy batteries, electric vehicles, and more. China's photovoltaic industry has also thrived in Africa. In the realm of digital economy, Chinese companies or capital participating in certain African digital platforms have brought new impetus to Africa's development transformation and digitization, aiding Africa in creating platforms similar to the African versions of Alipay, Didi Chuxing, QQ Music, and others.

China and Africa should also strengthen cooperation in the supply chain. The current trend of the West to decouple or break chains not only harms China but also damages interests in Africa. China is one of the largest participants in industry chain cooperation in Africa, with significant investments and contributions to African industries. The current decoupling trend in the West has negative impacts on Africa's development, so China and Africa can enhance corresponding cooperation in this area.

Currently, governance exchanges between China and Africa are frequent, with Africa also seeking to learn from and emulate China's modern development path. Considering that many African countries have only been independent for about five to six decades, further improvements are needed in terms of institutions and processes. It is essential to view Africa's development and China-Africa cooperation through a historical lens. Internally, Africa is trending toward unity and speaking with one voice. In the future, as Africa's strategic autonomy consciousness grows, the continent's institutions and development hold promise.

New quality productive forces primarily manifest in new energy, high technology, including the digital economy and green energy, all crucial for Africa. To achieve rapid development, Africa may face significant challenges if following traditional paths. Africa also needs energy transition and green development, with immense potential in areas like solar energy resources.

Africa holds 60 percent of global solar energy resources but only 1 percent of corresponding photovoltaic energy storage equipment, indicating vast development potential and a significant commercial opportunity for Chinese enterprises. Moreover, in Africa, there are more polluting Japanese second-hand vehicles emitting black smoke. China's new energy vehicles are both environmentally friendly and affordable and can play a significant role in upgrading old facilities, environmental protection, energy transition and green development in Africa.

In the digital economy sector, many remote rural areas in Africa face challenges in advertising and selling products. With the digital economy, farmers in these areas can use online channels and platforms developed with Chinese involvement to sell their goods nationwide and globally, significantly improving local livelihoods.

Li Wentao is a research professor and executive director of the Institute of African Studies, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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