Catalyzing Africa’s Leap Toward Modernization

Modernization is more than just economic growth—it’s a transformation of society, culture, and governance. Countries around the world pursue different models of modernization, often drawing on partnerships and cooperation. This year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, brought these themes into sharp focus, with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and 52 other African leaders in attendance, alongside representatives from international organizations.

In his opening address, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted that the ultimate goal of modernization is to achieve “the free and full development of human beings.” The summit underscored the mutual aspiration for modernization shared by both China and Africa, and the potential for cooperation to drive this transformation.

Since 2013, President Xi has launched several global initiatives—the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, and Global Civilization Initiative—each deeply intertwined with modernization. These initiatives provide a foundation for economic, social, and political advancements, and offer a roadmap for global development that emphasizes partnership over competition.

But what makes the China-Africa relationship distinct is the convergence of common challenges. From climate change and unemployment to global governance and unilateral sanctions, both Africa and China face similar hurdles. Yet, for African nations, the list of challenges runs deeper: peace and security, environmental degradation, poverty, migration, corruption, and a lack of infrastructure, to name a few. Many of these issues transcend borders and require collective solutions—a reality that makes platforms like FOCAC vital.

FOCAC provides a space for African nations and China to address shared and specific problems. The discussions this year highlighted peace, security, infrastructure, health, and education as prerequisites for modernization. President Xi’s initiatives, particularly the Belt and Road Initiative, have already shown promise in Africa, offering solutions that could help lift many African nations toward modernization.

African nations now face a twofold challenge: addressing immediate issues related to peace, justice, and economic inequality, while simultaneously pushing toward modernization. The promises made at FOCAC, including enhanced cooperation, financial support, and capacity-building, represent an opportunity for Africa to accelerate its development.

The 2024 Beijing Declaration and Action Plan (2025–2027) reflects the synergy between the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and FOCAC’s goals. The declaration stresses the importance of human-centered development, industrial modernization, technological innovation, poverty reduction, and regional integration. It also advocates for a multipolar world order and improvements in global governance, including reforms to the UN Security Council to make it more inclusive.

Ethiopia, as a BRI member, has already seen significant benefits from Chinese cooperation. Projects like the Addis Ababa-Djibouti railway, industrial parks, highways, and light rail networks in Ethiopia are not just infrastructural upgrades—they are building blocks for the country’s modernization. China’s investment has also extended to more symbolic achievements, such as helping Ethiopia launch its first satellite into space.

Ethiopia’s involvement in FOCAC dates back to 2003 when it co-organized a Ministerial Meeting in Addis Ababa, underscoring the country’s commitment to the China-Africa partnership. In recent years, China has shared not only its resources but also its developmental model with Ethiopia, showing what can be achieved through long-term, strategic cooperation.

One of the more significant outcomes of the 2024 summit is the establishment of a Center of Excellence, a trilateral initiative between China, Ethiopia, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). This center aims to promote sustainable industrialization, agricultural modernization, and skill development across Africa, while also offering policy consultation to African nations.

The Action Plan also recognized Ethiopia’s recent entry into BRICS, signaling that Ethiopia and China will have even more platforms for multilateral engagement. It’s a testament to the growing bond between the two nations and their mutual interest in shaping a new global order that favors cooperation over domination.

As FOCAC 2024 concludes, it leaves African countries and China with a shared mandate: to modernize together through mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. The principles enshrined in the Beijing Declaration—non-interference, equality, and people-centered development—set a high bar for future partnerships. But the true test will be in the execution. As both Africa and China navigate their paths to modernization, success will depend on their ability to remain committed to the promises made, and to work collaboratively toward a future where both regions thrive.

(Melaku Mulualem is the Training Director General at the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia.)

Contributed by Melaku Mulualem

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