A worker processes coffee in Kirinyaga, Kenya, on 18 December 2024. China has emerged as an increasingly important market for African coffee (XINHUA) 

Global South, representing the collective of emerging markets and developing countries, is becoming a pivotal force in reshaping the international order. It plays a vital role in driving global governance reforms with the principle of fairness and equity. 

With a long-standing friendship and shared vision, China and Africa have been indispensable partners in each other’s modernisation journey. With rich practical experience, innovative cooperation models, and an inclusive, win-win philosophy, China-Africa joint efforts in building modernisation not only accelerates qualitative transformation in both regions but also offers new development paths for other Global South countries. This partnership strengthens the influence of developing countries on the global stage and contributes to a new chapter for development of Global South nations. 

Experience gained  

High-level mutual visits play a crucial role in China-Africa relations by laying a solid foundation for the exchange and communication of policies. Mechanisms such as the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue provide strategic guidance and institutional guarantees at the macro level. The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation plays a unique role in setting cooperation priorities and leading projects. These experiences of successful mechanisms demonstrate the importance of direct, high-level interactions in building mutual trust. With collective dialogue frameworks, Global South countries are able to strengthen exchanges, promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and enhance mutual understanding and trust. 

Driven by the Global Development Initiative, China-Africa joint modernisation emphasises social welfare and sets improving livelihoods as shared development goals. China supports the development of people’s welfare in African countries through infrastructure building, agricultural cooperation, medical and educational aid. These people-oriented, pragmatic actions show the world that development is not merely about economic figures, but also about real improvements in people’s lives, thus uniting the Global South around a development vision centred on the people. 

Based on their development practices and knowledge-sharing achievements, China and Africa speak with a joint voice on global issues such as climate change, fair trade, and poverty reduction, offering constructive ideas and solutions. Through shared knowledge and experience, they are promoting a more just and equitable global development agenda and strengthening global consensus to meet development challenges together. 

The shared interests of all humanity underpin the vision of building a community with a shared future. Working closely together, both sides actively promote an international order of fairness, equity, and inclusivity, while striving for more equitable rights and interests for developing countries. 

Within frameworks like the World Trade Organisation, China and Africa jointly advocate for multilateral trade reform, oppose protectionism, and safeguard the legitimate interests of developing nations in global trade. Through joint proposals and coordinated advocacy, they strive for fairer trade rules and broader market access for developing countries’ products and services. 

These efforts not only contribute to reforming the international order but also provide valuable experience and inspiration for other Global South countries. By drawing on China-Africa cooperation, countries can promote a more development-friendly international environment. 

Future of solidarity   

On the foundation of existing achievements, China and Africa should continue to deepen and broaden cooperation and fully realise their potential. 

China and Africa should align development philosophies, innovate cooperation models, and strengthen dialogue mechanisms to help Global South nations to explore modernisation paths that are independent and tailored to their realities. 

In terms of coordination of development strategies and policies, it is essential to continue collaboration and dialogue on national strategies, development plans, and specific projects with other Global South countries. For instance, China’s strategy for large-scale development of its western region can be aligned with the African Union’s regional integration strategy to enhance synergy and complementarity. 

Efforts must also continue in joint planning and project implementation across key sectors such as infrastructure, energy, and communications. Together, China and Global South nations can formulate priority project lists and clarify areas of cooperation. 

Institutional frameworks and mutual recognition of standards should be enhanced to create a more stable cooperation environment. This includes optimising business conditions, reducing trade and investment barriers, and promoting mutual recognition of standards to lower technical trade obstacles. By strengthening technical exchanges and talent training, deeper integration in technological standards can be achieved. 

In terms of economic and trade cooperation, China and Africa should take the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation in Changsha, Hunan Province, as a leading example to deepen cooperation and improve quality and efficiency. Tapping into opportunities arising from Africa’s accelerating industrialisation, urbanisation, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, pilot zones can help to foster supply chain collaboration. 

Trade cooperation must be prioritised, including optimising market access, enhancing market distribution functions, nurturing new models like cross-border e-commerce. Private enterprises should be encouraged to play a larger role in this modernisation process and contribute to shared prosperity. 

China and Global South countries should establish official exchange platforms for in-depth dialogues on global issues of common concern and jointly define frameworks and strategic directions. 

Think tanks, enterprises, and academic institutions should be encouraged to build informal exchange platforms. Organising seminars, forums, and academic conferences will foster dialogue among experts and practitioners, facilitating knowledge exchange and experience sharing.  

These strategic and multidimensional approaches will ensure that China-Africa joint modernisation not only benefits both parties but also becomes a valuable reference and driving force for the broader Global South in its pursuit of sustainable, inclusive development.  

The authors are Research Assistants of Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University