The 13th Meeting of the China-Africa Think Tanks Forum held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on 8 March jointly released the Africa-China Dar es Salaam Consensus aimed at deepening global development cooperation. The consensus contains significant guidance and principles for human development.
The consensus emphasises the critical importance of prioritising development and adopting a collaborative approach to achieving it. It asserts that development goals must be at the forefront of all decision-making processes and actions. By doing so, we can significantly improve the economic, social, and political well-being of people. Development is not merely about economic growth but encompasses an improvement in living standards.
It is through the implementation of specific projects and policies that directly benefit the population that real progress can be made. Prioritising development ensures that decisions and policies are aimed at advancement, advocating for the common values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom for all humanity. This approach guarantees that the growth we seek leads to better living standards and a more just society.
Cohesive framework
The consensus highlights the importance of exploring independent, people-centred paths that promote mutual respect and mutual learning. It is essential to recognise and respect each nation’s unique history, culture, and priorities. These elements should be acknowledged and integrated into development plans. The call for mutual respect and mutual learning also implies a collaborative approach in which all participants work together as equals, learning from each other’s experiences and perspectives. This collaborative approach is vital for fostering innovation and finding more effective solutions to common problems.
Focusing on growth that benefits everyone, while respecting each country’s unique needs and experiences, is a fundamental principle of the consensus. It encourages think tanks, policymakers, and other stakeholders to work together to develop strategies that align with their unique contexts and priorities. This collaboration is essential for creating a global order that is equitable and just.
The priority to development and exploring independent, people-centred paths of mutual respect and mutual learning is intrinsically connected to the other seven points of the consensus, forming a cohesive framework for global cooperation.
Effective implementation
Implementing the consensus requires a multifaceted approach starting with policy alignment. Think tanks need to come together to promote the understanding of the principles of the consensus so that countries can integrate them into their national development plans, ensuring that their cooperation frameworks, trade agreements, and investment strategies are designed to benefit both sides equitably. This entails revising national policies to prioritise projects that promote mutual growth.
Capacity building is crucial for the success of this consensus. Strengthening think tanks and research institutions in Africa and China will enhance their ability to analyse complex issues and propose effective solutions. Promoting joint research projects, workshops, and knowledge-sharing platforms can foster a deeper understanding of shared challenges and opportunities. This collaborative effort will ensure that both African and Chinese think tanks are well-equipped to support and guide the implementation of the consensus.
Monitoring and evaluation are essential for tracking progress and ensuring the effectiveness of the consensus. Developing clear performance indicators, conducting regular reviews and establishing robust mechanisms to monitor and assess the impact of projects will help to maintain accountability and identify areas for improvement. Transparency in project implementation is critical for building trust and ensuring that the benefits of the consensus are widely recognised and appreciated.
Public diplomacy and communication efforts are necessary to promote positive narratives about the consensus. Highlighting successful cooperation projects and initiatives to showcase the benefits of China-Africa collaboration can foster greater public support for the consensus. Think tanks must work together to actively address misconceptions and negative stereotypes about China-Africa relations. This involves providing accurate information and engaging in open dialogue with critics. Engaging with media, civil society and the public through various communication channels will create a broader awareness and appreciation of collaborative efforts and develop support for the consensus.
Shaping the relationship
The Dar es Salaam Consensus plays a role in shaping the relationship between China and Africa by offering a framework to enhance collaboration and ensure mutual gains. This consensus underscores the importance of sustainable development, economic collaboration, and political solidarity between Africa and China.
By setting clear guidelines and actionable steps, the consensus helps to streamline infrastructure investments, trade and industrialisation, among others, ensuring that they align with the development goals of African nations. It also emphasises the importance of equitable and inclusive policies, ensuring that the benefits of these relations reach marginalised populations in Africa.
By fostering deeper mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people connections, the consensus strengthens the foundation of China-Africa relations, ensuring they are built on principles of mutual respect, shared benefits, and sustainable development.
China-Africa relations exemplify South-South cooperation, showcasing strategic alliances that drive mutual growth and development. Chinese investments in Africa mobilise resources for projects aligned with South-South cooperation goals, enhancing economic development and regional integration.
The consensus strengthens South-South cooperation by promoting solidarity, mutual respect, and collective action towards achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.
Leveraging the consensus to strengthen South-South cooperation can extend its benefits beyond China and Africa. Sharing experiences and best practices with other developing regions and collaborating on global issues can amplify the impact of the consensus. Engaging with international organisations and agencies can provide additional support and resources, ensuring that the goals of the consensus are met effectively and sustainably.
In summary, the consensus seeks to deepen global development cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, solidarity, win-win cooperation, openness, and common prosperity. The eight points emphasised in the consensus can be achieved if think tanks and China-Africa stakeholders prioritise development, explore paths that focus on people, have mutual respect for each other’s perspectives and engage in mutual learning.
This holistic approach aims to achieve fair development by emphasising the importance of integrating development goals into decision-making processes respecting each nation’s unique circumstances and creating a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and best practices. The goal is not just to enhance living standards but to establish a world where peace, fairness, justice, democracy and freedom are valued for all individuals.
The author, Paul Frimpong, is Executive Director of Africa-China Centre for Policy & Advisory. African Times published this article in partnership with ChinAfrica Magazine
