As we settle into the new year, the Africa-China community is waiting for the announcement of the Chinese Foreign Minister’s traditional first trip of the year, which is always to Africa. This year’s visit will be pivotal because it will kick off the official race to the most important event in the Africa-China relationship.
2024 marks the ninth Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) gathering. It will likely take place in Beijing towards the end of the year. China was still deep in its COVID shutdown during the previous gathering in 2021, which was rare in both being hybrid (bifurcated between Senegal and China) and semi-virtual, with Chinese President Xi Jinping remotely addressing delegates in Dakar.