China and Africa regional economic cooperation: History and prospects

Abstract

The establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 was a further development of the traditional model of bilateral cooperation, and the starting point for China’s multilateral cooperation with African countries. In recent years, China-Africa economic cooperation has been addressing new situations.  In particular, under its initiative to “support the integration of Africa and help Africa improve its overall capacity for development”, China has participated in a variety of areas concerning the economic integration of Africa, and it has received an active response from Africa. Based on a consideration of the history and current features of China-Africa economic cooperation, this article analyses the implications for the further development of China-Africa regional economic cooperation in the future. It concludes that there is need to enhance mutual trust, to strengthen investment in manufacturing and strategic industries, and to increase cooperation on infrastructure projects for African integration.