In a recent China-Africa Roundtable, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of regional coordination and continental integration in addressing Africa’s challenges. In this article, we will explore President Ramaphosa’s ideas and the emerging partnership between China and Africa.
Regional Integration as Key to Economic Growth
During the China-Africa Roundtable, the crucial role of regional integration in diversifying African economies was discussed. By moving away from raw materials export and focusing on high-quality manufactured goods and services, African nations can drive economic growth and boost their global standing.
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
Central to this vision is the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single market for goods and services, facilitate the movement of persons, and establish a customs union to promote trade among African countries. China has the potential to play a vital role in helping Africa realize this goal.
Challenges to Regional Integration
Challenges to regional integration, such as inadequate financial resources, poor infrastructure networks, rising violence, terrorism, and political instability, need to be tackled. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have worsened public finances and increased the debt burden of many African countries, further reducing infrastructure investment.
Sustained Engagement with China
Sustained engagement with China is crucial to overcome these hurdles. President Ramaphosa emphasized China’s role as a principal supporter of strategic infrastructure development projects in Africa. This collaboration could help address the challenges of regional integration while fostering long-lasting partnerships between China and Africa.
Support for Regional Economic Communities (RECs)
Support from development partners for capacity-building, technology transfer, innovation, and knowledge-sharing is crucial for the success of Regional Economic Communities (RECs). These organizations can benefit greatly from China’s support in overcoming challenges and achieving their objectives.
Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)
The roundtable acknowledged the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as an important platform for deepening collaboration between African countries and China in their pursuit of development. The adoption of a joint statement during the roundtable further solidified the resolve and commitment to enhance China-Africa relations.
To capitalize on this growing partnership, African countries and China must translate their intentions into concrete, time-bound, and results-oriented regional actions. By working together, they can create an integrated, dynamic, and prosperous Africa. The collaboration between China and Africa can serve as a beacon of hope for the future, not just for the African continent but also for the global community.
