The FOCAC Process and Sino-African Strategic Partnership

Abstract

Historical records confirm that China’s increasing engagement with Africa through growing trade and investment has been a major boost for African economies. China’s comprehensive commitment to Africa through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) has also made significant contribution to Africa’s overall economic development. The constructivist approach underpinning this paper suggests that FOCAC’s evolution can be positively shaped by all active participants toward increased mutual benefit and positive outcomes. With all the consensuses and commitments reached at the Johannesburg FOCAC summit (FOCAC VI) held in December 2015, a stronger Sino-African partnership is expected to take shape as both sides take efforts to enhance their win-win cooperation. The key future challenges for China and Africa are to implement the FOCAC VI Action Plan and develop a long-term FOCAC agenda which will broaden and strengthen win-win outcomes in the years to come. At the same time, Africa should try its best to ensure the successful implementation of FOCAC projects and facilitate China’s engagement, for a business-friendly environment in Africa, whether in policy, legal or social aspects, is the key to promoting the Sino-African strategic partnership and enhancing sustainable development of the African continent.