The collective rise of the Global South and the burgeoning cooperation among developing countries are bringing about fundamental transformations in the global governance system. Establishing a fair and reasonable governance system and deepening South-South cooperation is the common vision of China and Africa and a global trend. 

The Dar es Salaam Consensus, released during the 13th China-Africa Think Tanks Forum held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, calls for solidifying the China-Africa friendship and creating new blueprints for future China-Africa cooperation. 

The history of China-Africa friendship is long, with robust cooperation. The relationship has remained strong regardless of changes in the international situation. The friendship is rooted in shared histories and common visions.

From the early days of jointly resisting imperialism and colonialism and striving for national liberation, to uniting the Global South and finding paths to modernisation for developing countries, jointly pursuing national rejuvenation and international cooperation, jointly implementing the Belt and Road Initiative, and creating a community with a shared future for mankind, China and Africa have always supported each other in overcoming difficulties over the past 70 years. 

The consensus summarises past achievements and marks the beginning of a new journey. It is both a milestone of deeper China-Africa relations and a symbol that China-Africa cooperation has reached a new level. 

Political mutual trust between China and Africa is deepening, economic and trade exchanges are increasing, and cultural exchanges are enhancing. The consensus emerged against the backdrop of the advancement of pragmatic China-Africa cooperation. It represents the enduring China-Africa friendship, a joint declaration in response to current common challenges, and the best testament to China and Africa’s solidarity and shared pursuit of peace and development. 

Common vision 

The international community urgently needs a fair and reasonable governance system, and the Global South is a key force in promoting the reform of this system. For African countries, development remains the top priority. Advancing sustainable development, green transformation and multilateral cooperation are common tasks for African countries. The development and stability of both China and Africa are crucial to the development of the Global South and international peace.  

The consensus reflects the shared vision of China and Africa for common development and prosperity, an equal and orderly multipolar world, and an international community characterised by lasting peace and universal security.  

The consensus advocates people-centred development based on the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits to promote a fair and reasonable global governance system. It advocates inclusive development marked by stability. It reflects the collective wisdom of Chinese and African think tanks. 

Future blueprint 

The consensus draws a blueprint for China-Africa development in the future. It calls for supporting countries in exploring modernisation paths based on their own characteristics and national context; strengthening exchanges among civilisations; accelerating the democratisation of international relations; supporting African countries to improve industrialisation and agricultural modernisation based on local conditions; participating in international industrial division of labour; aligning with international initiatives and national plans; achieving common prosperity; actively promoting international financial system reform; fully respecting the historical and cultural context of each country; strengthening exchanges and mutual learning, and sharing development knowledge with all countries.  

The consensus outlines a specific blueprint, clarifies the goals for China and Africa, and provides new solutions to address global challenges. China-Africa cooperation will contribute significantly to building a community with a shared future for mankind. 

The author is Assistant Research Fellow of Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University. African Times has published this article in partnership with ChinAfrica Magazine