Thread by @LBenabdallah

Here’s a table of content of the Dakar #FOCAC #ActionPlan (fr edition). Quick thread on the main announcements (yes it’s 3 am and I am totally jet lagged just from being on FOCAC time zone to follow virtually). Lots of exchange programs, trainings, visits on the menu 1/

https://twitter.com/lbenabdallah/status/1465749632240300032

In terms of Peace and Security, #China will offer trainings on maritime security, military medicine, continue training of peacekeeping personnel, will hold another Peace and Security Forum, and will have exchanges on counterterrorism, rule of law, and other similar issues. 3/

In terms of #media, culture, tourism cooperation, similar to previous action plans. Big focus on R&D, think tank exchanges, scholarships, talent programs. Tho this action plan does not specify the numbers of trainings and scholarships - obviously (pandemic travel disruptions) 3/

Agriculture is making a comeback in the Dakar edition of #FOCAC. As announced by Xi Jinping and the action plan solidifies, #China will send 500 agriculture experts and set up more agricultural demonstration centers across the continent. More Luban workshops as well 4/

In terms of investments, the gist of it is that #China will encourage and support Chinese enterprises to invest $10 billion in #Africa in the next 3 years. For Digital economy, China ready to share expertise on “Smart Cities” and will hold a Forum on digital innovation 5/

In terms of Finance, China will open a $10 billion credit line for African countries. Bottom line: there are more or less creative ways of sourcing the finances this time. Basically long gone is the finance largesse we are used to seeing in #FOCAC. More human capital investments

The Dakar #FOCAC Action Plan also has more detailed cooperation on capacity building programs, technology transfers, initiatives to invite young researchers and scientists from the continent to #China for technical trainings, space exchange programs (with Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria)

Of note are also exchanges in the domain of governance (namely poverty reduction). The CPC will continue engaging African political party members thu seminars/visits. Programs for female political party elites and women diplomats were also announced in this 8th #FOCAC action plan

I totally lost track of what number this is, but Green Development is another highlight of the #Dakar #FOCAC action plan. Lots of initiatives related to this as you can see in this excerpt.

My quick take: this was the most elaborate action plan so far. Lots of old areas of cooperation expanded, new ones added. Still, the overall impression is a moving away from Chinese state funding into finding more creative ways to source investments, loans, and credits #FOCAC 🎩