China's plans are strengthening Africa's hopes

Annual two sessions in Beijing promises new opportunities for continent's growth and development

As the fifth plenary session of the 12th National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) got underway in Beijing in early March, most countries were keen to find out what strategies China will develop as leaders reviewed policies and presented plans. This year's meetings are essentially an assessment and a continuation of policies that had been rolled out previously. Nonetheless, they highlight the seriousness and commitment of the Chinese government to step up and forge ahead on a potentially bumpy road with hope and confidence.

As China has been their biggest development partner in recent times, African countries must have been keen to know the implications the country's policy reforms and development plans. If China is not relenting on its economic push, then Africa cannot relent on restructuring and aligning its development plans to match the benefits that come with China's economic policy reforms. Assurances from the Chinese leadership are an added impetus for Africa to do its part in this complementary relationship. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi affirmed that "there will be no weakening in China's support for Africa, no matter how the international situation or world economy may evolve".

Africa's main concern and priority at the moment is trade and economic growth. Therefore, keen interest must be placed on policies touching on these two areas. Indeed, these two are directly linked to two aspects that prominently featured in the two sessions this time - globalization and economic reforms.

Globalization

President Xi Jinping reiterated China's commitment to globalization in the face of increasing protectionism in the West, in what has become to be referred to as deglobalization. Xi said: "The door of China's opening up will not close; China will continue to openup in all respects." This is refreshing news for Africa, as trade with China and investment represent key drivers of its economic growth.

The most important aspect of China's commitment to globalization is the Belt and Road Initiative, aimed at connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along ancient trade routes.

"China will push ahead with the Belt and Road Initiative by accelerating the building of overland economic corridors and maritime cooperation hubs, and deepening international industrial capacity cooperation," said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang.

The resounding message at the two sessions was that China will continue to be the engine of economic growth and a contributor to global governance.

China will host a Belt and Road forum focusing on international cooperation in May, generating fresh energy for interconnected development and ensure the initiative delivers greater benefits to people of the countries involved. Moreover, in his trip to Africa just before the two sessions began, Wang Yi invited African countries to join the Belt and Road Initiative. This is an opportunity that Africa cannot afford to miss. It is becoming clear that China will in the near future dominate global trade. Therefore it is imperative that African countries prepare adequately and align their policies to this new reality.

Economic reforms

Economic reforms remained a top priority for the Chinese government during the two sessions, as the country shifts from quick growth to a more sustainable and balanced growth. This is coupled with a restructuring of the economy and shifting focus from mass production to technology and innovation.

This policy move couldn't favor Africa more, as the continent has yet to make the industrial take-off necessary for development. China's plans offer Africa a unique opportunity to move to the next step of development, which is industrialization. It emerged during the last Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, that industrialization will form the core of China-Africa engagement in the near future. President Xi asserted that "industrialization is an inevitable path to a country's economic success".

At the FOCAC summit, China announced major cooperation plans aimed at helping African countries realize industrialization and agricultural modernization and pledged a funding support of $60 billion toward these plans. Chinese manufacturers are already setting up industries in Africa, confirming the new policy shift locally and internationally. Industrial zones have been set up in some countries and others are planned in more African countries. These are wonderful opportunities for Africa.

The two sessions have not only highlighted China's development plans for the future but presented good opportunities for Africa and the rest of the world. It is no coincidence that the sessions attracted global attention, further reinforcing China's leadership role in economic governance, and as the engine of global economic growth. However, Africa and the rest of the world must implement structural reforms along with China as they seek opportunities in the new era of Chinese policy.

The author is a PhD candidate at Fudan University, China.