OP-ED | The African Union’s Agenda 2063: Positioning China and Other External Partners, By Pamela Carslake

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Pamela Carslake argues the principles of equality, respect for sovereignty as well as mutual benefits are reasons for China’s acceptance by Africa and contends that although the contributions of external partners to Africa’s development alone will not solve the continent’s challenges, there is a need for concerted efforts from the partners to achieve Africa’s Agenda 2063: the Africa We Want.

China is Africa’s biggest cooperating partner in recent years. The principles underpinning China’s foreign policy on the continent, comprising of equality, respect for sovereignty as well as mutual benefits and co-development, are all reasons for the acceptance and reception of China’s engagements in Africa.

China’s presence seems to be spearheading development on the continent, through the financing of developmental projects in infrastructure coupled with the increase in trade and investments. Additionally, the partnership has extended its reach into other spheres, including industry, agriculture, capacity-building, and education, among others.

Agenda 2063 maps out aspirations to advance Africa’s development in various areas such as poverty eradication, infrastructural development, and renewable energy, categorized under social, economic, environmental, and political spheres. China being Africa’s biggest partner is grounded in shared benefits and common development. It is imperative that cooperation provides the needed conditions to facilitate the advancement of the continent, as well as aligns with Africa’s vision as shared in Africa’s Agenda 2063.

China’s Beijing Action Plan touches on almost all the aspiration areas outlined in Africa’s Agenda 2063. China’s substantial investments across Africa have unlocked significant economic opportunities, thereby contributing to the advancement of socio-economic development objectives articulated within Agenda 2063. Given China’s prominent engagement in Africa, it is conceivable that other external partners may share sentiments of diminished influence, uncertainty regarding their positioning, and challenges in effectively aligning themselves to play meaningful and substantive roles on the continent.

Africa’s increasing developmental challenges call for concerted efforts from Africa’s external partners to address these challenges. The approach of co-existing instead of a great power rivalry is pivotal to ensure external partners are strategically positioned to respond to the continent’s development challenges for the Africa We Want.

Coexisting with other partners creates opportunities for external partners to identify and address gaps in the African market or specific developmental needs that align with their expertise and capabilities. This assertion is exemplified by Singapore’s recent ascension over China as Nigeria’s primary exporter in the final quarter of 2024, with a huge portion of exports comprising defense equipment and materials.

The concept of coexistence does not preclude the existence of healthy competition. Such competition serves to maintain a balanced power dynamic, offering African nations the opportunity to secure advantageous agreements. There is a thin line between power rivalry and healthy competition and research is a key distinguishing mark.

By leveraging research insights to identify areas of vulnerability or unmet needs within domains dominated by partners such as China, other foreign actors can assess the feasibility of coexistence or competition to yield more favorable outcomes. Embracing this approach, rather than reactionary measures mirroring those of other external actors, mitigates any perception of geopolitical competition, safeguarding Africa from being treated as a mere pawn.

Recent summits between Africa and other foreign partners underscore Africa’s importance in the geopolitical landscape. This trend has led to the emergence of new partnerships for the continent, while traditional allies endeavor to preserve and reinforce their influence amidst burgeoning cooperation with China. The continent has nonetheless been presented with a choice in partnership, although engagements with these partners mainly remain at the bilateral level.

The objective now lies in harnessing the potential of these national-level engagements to advance the objectives outlined in Agenda 2063, thereby facilitating the realization of both national and continental development goals. To achieve this synergy between national and continental aspirations, bilateral cooperation must align closely with the overarching vision articulated within Agenda 2063.

It is pivotal for Africa’s partners outside of China to strategically reposition themselves to capitalize on development opportunities or market gaps that align with their expertise. Given China’s status as the continent’s primary trading partner, it is prudent for other foreign stakeholders to conduct thorough research to identify areas of collaboration where they can contribute, either through coexistence or healthy competition, to mutual advantage.

Despite the diverse developmental needs and priorities across African nations, it remains crucial that bilateral engagements reflect alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which serves as the overarching blueprint for the continent’s advancement. Considering Africa’s burgeoning population and the inherent limitations in China’s capacity to address every demand or developmental requirement, there exists a significant role for other partners to contribute to the realisation of Africa’s development aspirations.

It is worthy of note that contributions of external partners to Africa’s development alone will not help the continent attaining her aspirations. With Africa’s burgeoning youthful population and abundance of resources, the continent although a beneficiary, is a key player in achieving global aspirations such as the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), inclusive of goals such as ensuring the fulfillment of the provision of quality education, decent work, and economic growth, reducing inequalities, combatting climate change amongst other goals.

Africa, therefore, by capitalizing on partnerships to fulfill its aspirations, has the potential to play a significant role in attaining global aspirations, as well as to build a sustainable future for all.

Pamela Carslake is the executive director of the Afro-Sino Centre of International Relations in Accra, Ghana. This Op-ed article was originally published on the China Global South Project (CGSP) platform. The views expressed in it are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect African Newspage’s editorial policy.

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