Cosmina Timofte
02.08.2024
Source of Picture: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/opinion/2015-12/02/content_22598882.htm (Accessed August 2, 2024)
Summary
The relationship between China and Africa is opening to new horizons of collaboration, especially ahead of the September FOCAC - Forum on China - Africa Cooperation. According to the analyses of the experts in the field, despite possibilities for slower growth, the economy of China, in the context of continuous growth, will benefit its African partners. (Africa News, 2024) It is an important step for both nations, as the possibilities for collaboration will eventually foster the creation of a strong bond in social, political and economic terms. The digital cooperation is welcomed, especially in the light of the newest developments in the area.
Background
The digital cooperation between China and Africa is bringing numerous benefits to both parties, setting up the stage for the creation of an "innovative infrastructure" (Africanews, 2024). This is an important step taken forward by both nations, especially considering the current context. This cooperation could open new horizons for their citizens in the light of providing employment and education opportunities. An action plan has ben placed into effect for the purpose of implementing "10 digital transformation demonstration projects and the training of at least 1000 professionals in the digital field" (Africanews, 2024). It means that the community is ready and eager to embrace the changes imposed by the great wave of digitalization and are keen to prepare citizens for the jobs of the future, where technology plays an increasingly significant role. This initiative in particular, is seeking to strengthen relationships between the two nations, especially when considering aspects related to digital policy, innovation, infrastructure, along with the wave of transformation accelerated by the use of technology.
The cooperation between Africa and China will be made possible through the support that will be provided by the "enterprises" in various areas, such as "mobile communication, data centers, ...submarine and land cables" (Xinhua, 2024). This is particularly important, as it emphasises the strong role played by technology in strengthening relationships at an international level, along with creating opportunities for development for both parties involved. It will eventually lead to creating a beneficial environment for the actors of this partnership, as the introduction of "digital technologies,..., network security, high-performance computing..." (Xinhua, 2024) will set the tone for effective communication and collaboration for the purpose of advancing the society and creating a valuable bond between the nations. In addition, the citizens and specialized personnel of both countries will benefit from the access to these technologies, with a direct positive impact on their daily lives, influencing their activities and professions. In addition, these effects will eventually compound positively in such a manner as to involve universities, and further create job opportunities for students and young professionals looking to make a difference in their community. The collaboration between institutions of different specializations will bring people together, helping the socio-economic landscape and supporting their citizens in accomplishing several goals. An "action plan for the development of digital China-Africa cooperation was released" (Xinhua, 2024) in an effort to achieve the ambitious goals that were set at a national and international level. This will eventually be placed into effect through several Government programs, to assist both the public bodies and the citizens fulfil their goals and effectively contribute to a positive change.
The FOCAC summit holds "great significance" (Qingyun, 2024) for promoting values such as fairness and honesty, along with justice, beneficience and inclusiveness, with the aim of representing and example for the other nations. The cooperation is expanding to different areas of governance, to include "industrialization, infrastructure, trade and agriculture" (Qingyun, 2024). The summit represents a great opportunity for experience and knowledge exchange, along with providing ways for "further cooperation and boost(ing) shared development" (Qingyun, 2024) This meeting is therefore, playing a crucial role in the growth and development of both actors, playing a significantly positive role both on economic and social fronts. More specifically, Africa would benefit incredibly from the collaboration with China, especially when considering the "technological advancements" (Mutethya, 2024) that were achieved on the Asian territory. Enhancing integration at a national, regional and local level could represent a sustainable solution for the issues faced by Africa, enabling it to rapidly advance and progress toward digitalization and modernization.
Sources:
Africanews (2024),: "China and Africa Explore New Frontiers in Cooperation", Business Africa, [Online], available at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/08/01/china-and-africa-explore-new-frontiers-in-cooperation-business-africa/ , (Accessed August 2, 2024)
Africanews (2024),: "China and 26 African Countries Agree to Strengthen Partnerships in the Digital Field", [Online], available at: https://www.africanews.com/2024/07/30/china-and-26-african-countries-agree-to-strengthen-partnerships-in-digital-field/#:~:text=China%20and%2026%20African%20countries%20have%20agreed%20to%20strengthen%20partnerships,and%20Information%20Technology%20in%20Beijing., (Accessed August 2, 2024)
Mutethya, E., (2024), "Strengthened China-Africa Ties Urged Ahead of Summit", China Daily, [Online], available at: https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202408/01/WS66aae60da3104e74fddb7eca.html
Qingyun, W., (2024), "Sino-African Ties to Get Boost" , [Online], available at: https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202407/31/WS66a97baaa3104e74fddb7a83.html, (Accessed August 2, 2024)
Xinhua, (2024), English Gov. Cn.; "China, Africa move to Strengthen Digital Cooperation", The State Council, The People's Republic of China, [Online], available at: https://english.www.gov.cn/news/202407/30/content_WS66a821e0c6d0868f4e8e990b.html , (Accessed August 2, 2024)
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