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2021 FORUM ON CHINA AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC): BUILDING THE PHILOSOPHY OF A SHARED FUTURE FOR HUMANITY
2021 FORUM ON CHINA AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC): BUILDING THE PHILOSOPHY OF A SHARED FUTURE FOR HUMANITY
By Oboshi Agyeno (PhD)
Institute for peace and Conflict Resolution, Abuja
In a few days to come, particularly on the 29th and 30th November 2021, Senegal will be in the league of other African countries like Ethiopia and South Africa to host the all-important Forum on China Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The FOCAC is a high level tri-annual indaba of China and African countries with diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). All the countries in Africa except for Eswatini that has no diplomatic relations with the PRC, gather every three years to participate in discussions on how to design, consolidate and inject new energy on the way forward for a collective development of China and Africa. Since its conception and inception in 2000 and 2003 and the official launch of FOCAC in the year 2006, the Forum is traditionally hosted either in China or any African country interchangeably. This year, Senegal will host the 8th edition of FOCAC with the theme to ‘Deepen China Africa Partnership and Promote Sustainable Development to Build a China Africa Community with a Shared Future in the New Era’.
The FOCAC was primarily a strategy put forward by China to engage with Africa. This relationship has since grown in leaps and bounds. In 2006, China’s financial commitment to Africa was $5 billion and by 2015 and 2018, such commitment rose to $60 billion. In between this development cooperation, China Africa partnership has progressed from resource trade to infrastructure development of monumental proportion, and shifted into a more focused political and strategic cooperation. In recent times, analysts, think tanks and scholars from Africa have continued to promote and influence the government of Africa to show more innovation, commitment and interest in China Africa cooperation due to the benefit that has come to be evident in such relationships.
The FOCAC has enjoyed tremendous good will and partnership in various facets of investment, trade, health, infrastructure, food security, climate change and other areas of human development. This edition will follow the same pattern with previous FOCAC, but will be unique in many aspects. The 2021 FOCAC is the first summit since the Covid-19 pandemic crippled economic activities and businesses on a global scale, destroying livelihoods and threatening multilateralism as we know it. It is also the first FOCAC that just proceeded the 100 years anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and 50 years of Diplomatic Relations between China and Africa, reviewing the joint China Africa response to Covid19, and for the first time expected to reel out a ‘China Africa comprehensive strategic and cooperative partnership’ specifically for the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in Africa.
There is no doubt that the history of the FOCAC and its derivatives has been a blessing for both China and Africa. This is especially true in the areas of infrastructure development, business opportunities, national and regional security cooperation, cultural diplomacy and people to people exchanges. Indeed, China Africa cooperation has transformed the physical infrastructural environment of both China and Africa, and has proven based on the many hardware projects across Africa that this partnership is unprecedented. It is however pertinent for this year’s FOCAC in Senegal to ensure what Hannah Ryder* refers to as ‘a more organized and collective approach to engagement on the part of African leaders at this year’s FOCAC’. There is a need for African and Chinese leadership, think tanks and scholars to inject some novelty in building a philosophical, cultural and ideological component of China Africa cooperation. In order to improve the quality and efficiency of the FOCAC in general, the 8th edition of the Forum must endeavour to create a hybrid dimension to China Africa cooperation that can activate an innovative path to sustainable development based on a software approach to cooperation and development.
Senegal is one of the ideological, theoretical and cultural hubs of Africa. To project a philosophical angle to the aspirations for building livelihoods and shared humanity that China Africa relations have come to represent, shall be remarkable in this FOCAC. China Africa cooperation has spanned politics, economy, health, technology, etc. The 2021 FOCAC provides the prospect to pay closer attention on building the mind-set, attitude, philosophy and ideological direction for China and Africa towards a better future of communities, opportunities and humanity. The FOCAC should be a platform to build the significance of character traits like diligence, hard work, respect for culture and tradition, patriotism, knowledge, communal sense of purpose, prudence, the synergy between man and nature and cooperation as enablers for development. If embedded in African culture and traditions are qualities that can point the people towards sustainable development using their traditional alternatives, then FOCAC should concentrate on building those qualities. There are different paths to development than a single prescription and the Chinese experience has proven that.
As the saying goes, Africa is the next frontier of development and this aspiration is very likely to be achieved through China Africa cooperation. It is expected that the 2021 FOCAC will address Africa’s place within the BRI, which is potentially the most audacious economic blueprint of global connectivity in trade, investment and pragmatic access to financing for development. One of the ways Africa could benefit from this initiative is to imbibe the values and inculcate the principles of putting the people at the centre of development, promoting togetherness and projecting our unique socialist nature embedded in African and Asian oriental civilization. China and Africa have so much in common and the sooner a deliberate effort is applied to zoom our shared values into the international frontline, the better for humanity. This can be done by injecting our unique value in the domestic and foreign policy of both China and Africa.
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This year’s FOCAC provides the platform for Africa and China to reiterate their belief in a multilateral system which President Xi Jinping of China says ‘falls upon us to follow the trend of history, and choose cooperation over confrontation, openness over seclusion, and mutual benefit over zero sum games*. While contemporary issues like the green economy and climate change, technology transfer, peace and security and post Covid-19 recovery will dominate discussions at this year’s FOCAC, there is also the need to present the philosophical energy that can consolidate on the successes recorded in China Africa cooperation over the years. This could involve understanding and deploying those software features that have enabled China’s peaceful rise, inclusive growth and development in politics, economy and technology. Understanding the principles of Chinese development could be used to unlock the ingenuity of Africans from within, prioritize citizen’s interest in collective development and position Africa’s quest to inclusive and sustainable development as a process rather than a narrative or a big bang theory.
Philosophical vocabulary and direction is important to China Africa cooperation because it will give substance to the framework, content and nature of the overall partnership between both climes. It is therefore instructive that on the side-lines of this year’s FOCAC summit and subsequent meetings in the future, there should be podiums that promote cultural education of Africa and Asian oriental civilization in leadership, governance, relationships, values and development. The number of Chinese cultural institutes in Africa is growing and Africa should take advantage of such presence to collaborate in the areas of language and other exchanges that could promote intellectual understanding of China Africa cooperation, upgrade China Africa oriental civilization, engender new models and paths to development, and ensure a holistic development that is en-sync with the culture, tradition, emotion, beliefs and orientation of the people.
Long live China Africa cooperation.
2021 FORUM ON CHINA AFRICA COOPERATION (FOCAC): BUILDING THE PHILOSOPHY OF A SHARED FUTURE FOR HUMANITY
Army troops foils ISWAP attack on picketing troops in Konduga, Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI under the 21 Special Armoured Brigade have successfully repelled an attack by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on picketing personnel in the North East, of Konduga Borno state.
According to sources at about 1215 hours on February 26, picketing troops at checkpoint came under attack by elements of Boko Haram terrorists.
The soldiers responded aggressively while the Quick Reaction Force (QRF), led by the Sunray team, swiftly mobilised to the contact point where fire was exchanged with the terrorists. The attackers reportedly fled into the Yale Forest following the encounter.
In the aftermath, troops conducted exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal route and recovered one PKT believed to belong to the attackers.
The sources confirmed that the operation did not result in any casualties or injuries among the JTF personnel, and no equipment was lost.
The JTF added that monitoring of the area continues, and the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remain satisfactory.
The sources said that the latest operation demonstrates the continued vigilance and readiness of the JTF in the North East to protect civilians and deny terrorists freedom of movement.
End
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Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
By: Michael Mike
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum has declared that his administration will intensify efforts to eliminate residual security threats and fast-track the completion of critical infrastructure projects across Borno State in 2026, describing the year as decisive for consolidating hard-won gains.
The governor made the commitment on Thursday during the first State Executive Council meeting of the year at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he addressed commissioners and senior government officials on the administration’s priorities.
Zulum said although relative stability has returned to many parts of the state after years of insurgency, the government would not relent until every community is safe.
“We have made measurable progress in restoring peace, but our task is not finished. Security remains the foundation upon which every other intervention stands. We will continue to support security agencies and ensure that no part of Borno is left vulnerable,” he stated.
A central pillar of the 2026 agenda, according to the governor, is the resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), with emphasis on durable, long-term solutions rather than temporary relief.
He explained that the state government would deepen investments in housing, healthcare, education and livelihood programmes to ensure that returning families can rebuild their lives sustainably.
“Our goal is not just to return people to their communities, but to restore dignity, economic stability and hope. Resettlement must translate into real recovery,” Zulum said.
The governor also announced plans to strengthen social protection systems to shield vulnerable populations from economic shocks and the lingering effects of conflict. He described social protection as a strategic tool for stabilisation and inclusive growth.
“Social protection remains central to our rebuilding process. As we provide infrastructure and social amenities, we must also strengthen support systems for widows, orphans, and the most vulnerable in our society,” he added.
Zulum directed members of the executive council to ensure the timely completion of all ongoing projects across the state’s three senatorial districts. These projects cut across road construction, healthcare facilities, schools, water supply schemes and agricultural development initiatives.
He warned against delays and cost overruns, stressing the need for accountability, transparency and rigorous supervision.
“Every project must reflect value for money and must be delivered within schedule. Our people deserve visible and measurable progress,” he said.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mallumbe; and other top officials.
With the renewed focus on security consolidation and accelerated development, the Borno government signalled its determination to shift from emergency response to structured recovery, anchoring the state’s future on stability, infrastructure expansion and strengthened social systems.
Zulum Declares 2026 Year of Consolidation, Intensifies Security and Reconstruction Drive in Borno State
Nigeria, Israel Move to Deepen Strategic Alliance on Security, Health, Technology
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Israel have taken fresh steps to strengthen their strategic partnership, with renewed commitments to collaborate on border security, counter-terrorism, health systems support, agricultural technology, and innovation.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made this known in Abuja during a high-level meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman.
At the heart of the discussions was Nigeria’s ongoing battle against insurgency and terrorism, with Odumegwu-Ojukwu highlighting Israel’s globally recognised expertise in border management and intelligence coordination as an area from which Nigeria could draw practical lessons.
She emphasized that strengthening collaboration in defence, intelligence sharing, and security training would enhance Nigeria’s capacity to address evolving security threats. According to her, activating the long-standing Nigeria-Israel Joint Commission would provide the institutional backbone required to translate diplomatic goodwill into measurable outcomes.
Beyond security, both countries signaled readiness to scale up cooperation in healthcare delivery. Israel has pledged to donate between 50 and 60 fully equipped ambulances to Nigeria in phases, alongside training for emergency response personnel who will operate them.
Describing the initiative as transformative, Odumegwu-Ojukwu said Nigeria’s emergency response framework requires urgent reinforcement, particularly in improving first-responder systems across states and rural communities.
“This marks the beginning of institutionalising an ambulance culture in Nigeria,” she noted, pointing to persistent gaps in rapid medical response that often determine survival outcomes in critical cases.
Freeman described Nigeria as a strategic partner, citing its demographic weight and leadership role on the continent as central to Israel’s diplomatic outreach in Africa. He said deepening ties with Nigeria aligns with Israel’s broader engagement strategy across key sectors including agriculture, technology, and innovation.
He disclosed that arrangements were already underway with Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Health to commence delivery of the ambulances, starting with an initial batch of three to four units. Beyond emergency health support, Freeman said Israel is also prepared to expand access to its agricultural technologies to support Nigeria’s food security drive.
The renewed push builds on earlier diplomatic engagements between the two countries. In August 2025, Odumegwu-Ojukwu held a comprehensive political dialogue in Abuja with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Miriam Haskel-Harpaz, where both sides underscored the global nature of terrorism and the need for coordinated international action.
At that meeting, Nigeria and Israel agreed to intensify cooperation in counter-terrorism, intelligence exchange—particularly in tracking terror financing—border innovation, agriculture, culture, tourism, and multilateral diplomacy. Both sides also committed to regular consultations and exchange programmes aimed at strengthening institutional linkages.
Wednesday’s meeting signals a continuation of that trajectory, as Abuja and Jerusalem seek to convert diplomatic engagement into concrete partnerships capable of addressing security vulnerabilities, boosting healthcare capacity, and driving technological advancement.
For Nigeria, grappling with complex security challenges and striving to modernise key sectors of its economy, the evolving partnership with Israel represents both a strategic calculation and a practical pathway toward capacity building in critical national priorities.
Nigeria, Israel Move to Deepen Strategic Alliance on Security, Health, Technology
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