Chinese-Style Modernization: Unlocking Development Opportunities for Zambia and Africa at FOCAC 2024

By Bernadette Deka Zulu

Founder: Shaping Futures Zambia

Introduction

The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit currently happening in Beijing is coming to an end, providing a perfect chance for this article to discuss the summit’s well thought and constructed theme “Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a High-Level China-Africa Community with a Shared Future”.

To begin with China’s modernization, given its vast population, is believed to be significantly bolstering global economic recovery. With over 1.4 billion people progressing towards modernization—a figure surpassing the combined population of all developed nations—China is set to provide a substantial boost to the global economy. In an article  on Chinese modernization compiled and written by H.E. Dr. Huang Shifang, the Consul-General of China in Kota Kinabalu, she states how China stands as the primary trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, investing $320 million directly worldwide each day and attracting over 3,000 foreign businesses monthly. Over the past decade, China’s contribution to global growth has exceeded that of all G7 countries combined.

And according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), every 1% increase in China’s GDP growth enhances the economies of other Asian countries by 0.3 percentage points.

Chinese-style modernization

As outlined in the Communique of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, what is termed as Chinese style modernization also offers a comprehensive framework for countries like Zambia and Africa to achieve its much needed sustainable development. African nations are offered a chance to unlock new opportunities for growth in various industries and sectors. The Chinese way of modernization, characterized by high-quality development, new quality productivity, high-level opening up, and green and sustainable development, presents significant opportunities for Africa, particularly Zambia.

Quality Development

High-quality development is fundamental to Chinese modernization as it prioritizes innovation, efficiency, and sustainability rather than just economic growth. For Zambia and other African countries, this strategy can foster the development of strong industries that can compete globally.

New Quality Productivity

China’s emphasis on new quality productivity involves leveraging advanced technologies and innovative practices to enhance productivity. This approach can be particularly beneficial for African countries where there is a need to modernize agricultural practices, improve industrial output, and for those countries like Zambia facing severe energy crises, service delivery in these areas can be advanced by adopting Chinese technologies and practices.

Comprehensive Market Openness

China’s high-level opening up policy involves creating an open and inclusive economic environment that encourages foreign investment and trade. For Zambia and Africa at large, this policy presents opportunities to access Chinese markets, attract Chinese investments, and benefit from technology and knowledge transfer. African countries can enforce clear and beneficial local policies and regulations that maximize their gains from such partnerships and joint ventures with Chinese corporations.

Green and Sustainable Development

The most valuable hanging fruit from this year’s FOCAC for Zambia, The Chinese have taken green and sustainable development as a key aspect of modernization; focusing on balancing economic growth with environmental protection and social well-being. For Zambia, adopting this approach will lead to the development of sustainable industries and the fight against climate and pollution. Thereby improving living standards.

FOCAC 2024 key target benefits for Zambia & similar African countries

In order to align both their short and long-term goals with this year’s FOCAC thematic framework, and to ensure that benefits of this corporation between Africa and China are well shared, African countries, especially in the case for Zambia will need to swiftly adopt and tap into the following workable practices:

1. Green/Renewable Energy Projects: China has continued to invest in renewable energy projects in Africa, such as solar and wind power plants. Zambia needs to jump on these opportunities as such projects will increase access to electricity, reduce reliance on depleting hydro electricity source and promote sustainable development.

2. Development of Infrastructure: The construction of roads, railways and ports throughChina’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has led to significant infrastructure investments in Africa, including the construction of roads, railways, and ports which is enabling trade enhancement among countries while offering much more benefits

3. Advancement in Agricultural Practices: Chinese agricultural technologies and practices have been introduced in Zambia, leading to increased crop yields and improved food security. For example, the introduction of Chinese hybrid rice varieties has significantly boosted rice production in a few areas. If this can be replicated in more crops, yields can increase significantly as Zambia is looking to diversify food supply amid drought.

4. Climate Change: Zambia and the rest of African countries may need to tap in the climate finance opportunities that China has to offer through this year’s  FOCAC focus areas. Besides financing, maximizing knowledge transfer in environmental protection measures and strengthening of climate change initiatives.

Conclusion

There is no doubt, that Chinese-style modernization offers a comprehensive framework for Zambia and Africa to achieve sustainable development. The urgent call on us is to embrace practices that give high-quality development, new quality productivity, high-level opening up, as well as green and sustainable development. African nations have to try on practical strategies in order to unlock new opportunities for growth; while focusing on growing sustainable industrialization.

Lastly, the African Union Agenda 2063 depicting ‘the Africa we want’ aligning to the FOCAC 2024  will help create of resilient economies while improving standards of living for African people, and thereby creating a sustainable future.

For comments and opinion sharing, write to bernadettedekazulu@gmail.com