The 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit, scheduled in Beijing, will bring Chinese and African leaders together to discuss critical issues like trade, investment, and social development. A significant highlight of the summit is the growing cooperation in digital technology, which has become an essential driver of economic growth in Africa over the past decade.
Expanding China-Africa Digital Cooperation
Digital technology has been part of the FOCAC agenda since 2006. However, its importance has significantly increased, especially after the 2021 Action Plan introduced initiatives such as the “China-Africa Digital Innovation Partnership Program”. The China-Africa Digital Cooperation Forum further facilitates ongoing discussions on digital transformation between summits.
China is committed to supporting Africa’s digital infrastructure by implementing ten digital assistance projects. Chinese companies are already key players in Africa, building information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure in Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and Nigeria.
Strengthening Digital Infrastructure
According to a 2021 report, Chinese companies have laid over 200,000 kilometres of optical fibre, connecting millions across Africa to the Internet. They have partnered with 1,500 African businesses and worked with 29 governments to develop e-government services. Additionally, Chinese firms are expanding into Africa’s public cloud market with data centres in Senegal and South Africa.
This digital infrastructure is helping Africa adopt big data and artificial intelligence (AI) tools, which enhance productivity and drive economic growth.
Big Data and AI: Key Drivers of Economic Growth
Research from McKinsey Global Institute suggests that utilizing big data strategically could add $13 trillion to the global economy by 2030. Similarly, the World Economic Forum (WEF) estimates that applying big data analytics in agriculture, healthcare, and manufacturing could contribute an additional $500 billion to economies like India by 2025. These findings highlight the potential for Africa to harness digital technology for significant economic growth.
Transforming Agriculture with Digital Technology
Although agriculture contributes 35% of Africa’s GDP and is the continent’s largest employer, it still spends $78 billion annually on food imports. Many challenges in African agriculture arise from outdated practices and unpredictable weather. However, big data and AI can revolutionize this sector.
Sensors, satellites, and drones can collect valuable data on soil conditions, crop health, and weather patterns. AI algorithms can analyze this data to help farmers make more informed decisions about planting and resource management, ultimately boosting productivity.
With China’s leadership in digital technology and 24 agricultural technology demonstration centres across Africa, China can support Africa’s agricultural transformation. The FOCAC Summit allows both sides to explore strategies for integrating these innovations into Africa’s agriculture.
Boosting Industrial Production in Africa
Africa’s manufacturing sector lags behind other regions, contributing only 13% to GDP. As a result, African nations import most of the manufactured goods they need, draining foreign reserves.
Technologies like the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) can help African manufacturers gather real-time data to improve efficiency and productivity. By adopting AI-powered manufacturing systems, African industries can become more competitive globally.
Deepening China-Africa Cooperation
The 2024 FOCAC Summit offers a platform for China and Africa to strengthen their digital cooperation. It will focus on advancing technologies in agriculture and industry. By working together, both regions can leverage technology for sustainable economic development.
China’s investments in Africa’s digital future have already laid the groundwork. As the summit unfolds, the collaboration between China and Africa promises to unlock immense potential for socio-economic transformation.
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