Celebrating 25 years of the Forum on China 6Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) means taking stock of real impact 🚀. The Beijing Action Plan (2025 2027), adopted last year, is moving beyond big headlines to what experts call "small and beautiful" projects 6 agile, community-led initiatives delivering fast, tangible results.
Why 'Small & Beautiful' Matters
Research Assistant Professor Wang Jinjie from Peking University and Charles Onunaiju, Director of the Center for China Studies in Nigeria, say this dual approach balances mega-infrastructure with hyper-local wins 🤝.
- 💼 Vocational Training in Zambia: From classroom to internship in a Chinese mainland company, local youth gain full-cycle skills for the job market 🇿🇲.
- 🌱 Digital Rural Hubs: Solar power, internet access, and e-learning bring one village at a time online 6 boosting education and green growth.
Visible Wins So Far
FOCAC's roadmap is powering three key areas:
- Value-added Industrialization: African nations are moving up the global value chain, not just exporting raw materials.
- Economic Corridors: Upgrades to the TAZARA Railway are set to supercharge regional trade and agricultural output.
- Workforce Training: Vocational schools and remote learning centers are equipping Africa's youth for tomorrow's jobs.
The Game Plan Ahead
Onunaiju urges African stakeholders to lean in: "China means what it says and meets Africa halfway. Now the ball's in Africa's court 6 let's build a vision of modernization that truly serves our people."
As FOCAC hits its 25th milestone, the Beijing Action Plan shows that big change often starts small 📈. For South and Southeast Asian readers, this model offers inspiration: think hyper-local tech hubs, green startups, and youth-driven skilling programs that can transform communities across the region 🌏.
Reference(s):
FOCAC at 25: Charting the future under the Beijing Action Plan
cgtn.com
