At a recent summit in Beijing, China and Africa agreed to elevate their diplomatic relations, marking the creation of a community of 2.8 billion people—roughly one third of humanity. This monumental agreement was made at the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held on September 4-6.

The all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era is built on strategic partnerships between China and all the African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with it. Out of the 54 African countries that are members of the UN, 53 have diplomatic ties with China and are members of the FOCAC, which was founded in 2000 to facilitate collaboration. Every three years, the FOCAC hosts a ministerial conference, with summits held in 2006, 2015, 2018 and 2024.

The upgrade of their relationship underscores the ongoing commitment of both China and Africa to seeking progress and facing challenges together. It also emphasizes solidarity in the Global South as they work together toward development­—and a better world.

China, having eradicated absolute poverty as of late 2020, is now on track to achieve national rejuvenation on all fronts by the mid-21st century. Meanwhile, Africa is pursuing the goals of the African Union's Agenda 2063, which aims to transform the continent into a global powerhouse. These modernization efforts create great opportunities not just for China and Africa, but also for other developing countries and the world at large.

For instance, Africa is rich in natural resources, which provide a foundation for industrialization. However, energy shortages pose a daunting challenge. Given its expertise in energy development, China has stepped in with investment and technology, already building hundreds of clean energy and power grid projects across Africa.

At the recent FOCAC summit, President Xi Jinping announced 10 partnership initiatives for the next three years and pledged 360 billion yuan (roughly $50 billion at the current exchange rate) in loans, aid and investment. One of these initiatives is a green development partnership, under which China will develop 30 more clean energy projects in Africa.

Green development is just one aspect of China-Africa cooperation. Other initiatives Xi outlined cover areas including exchange of experience in state governance, trade, industrial chain development, and connectivity. These efforts aim to ensure no country or individual is left behind on the path to modernization.