The highly anticipated 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) officially commenced yesterday, gathering heads of state and government officials from across Africa and China. Among the distinguished attendees was President Hakainde Hichilema , who joined other leaders in celebrating the event that aims to strengthen the long-standing ties between China and Africa.
In his address, President Hichilema highlighted the historical partnership between Africa and China, a relationship that has spanned decades, stretching back to Africa’s pre-independence era. “During some of our continent’s most challenging times, China extended a helping hand to Africa when it was neither popular nor expected,” President Hichilema said.
The Zambian leader reflected on Zambia’s profound connection with China, dating back to the early days of Zambia’s independence. He paid tribute to Zambia’s Founding President, Dr. Kenneth David Kaunda, and Tanzania’s President Dr. Mwalimu Nyerere, who forged a groundbreaking partnership with China that paved the way for future collaborations. This historic relationship, epitomized by projects such as the Tanzania-Zambia Railway (TAZARA), became a model for Africa-China cooperation and has inspired the entire continent.
The 2024 FOCAC Summit seeks to build on this rich history by fostering a mutually beneficial, strategic partnership between Africa and China. The summit emphasizes the principles of equality, win-win cooperation, and the promotion of shared development goals. “The resilience and determination of the Chinese people are qualities we admire and aspire to emulate with hard work and dedication,” President Hichilema added, underscoring Africa’s commitment to the partnership.
President Hichilema also expressed deep appreciation to His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, for offering this platform. He noted that the forum allows both regions to exchange ideas and strategies to unlock their full potential, fostering growth and prosperity for future generations.
As the summit continues, leaders from both regions are expected to discuss critical areas of collaboration, including infrastructure development, trade, investment, and technological innovation, with the aim of strengthening the bonds between China and Africa and propelling both regions into a future of shared success.
Highly anticipated by who….its a yearly event since 2000 and HH was there last year he came back empty handed….it will happen ag
again next year and the same leader will be on their pilgrimage….wasting tax payers money whilst benefiting China
I saw a video of about 6 of those presidents playing cards under a tree, bored.
In the context of President Hichilema’s remarks regarding the collaborative potential between Zambia and China, it is imperative to critically examine the concept of “unlocking potential.” The term necessitates a nuanced understanding, particularly concerning intellectual property rights and technological exchange.
For instance, the case of Toyota exemplifies the strategic importance of intellectual property in fostering successful partnerships. Toyota’s operations are not merely about establishing manufacturing plants; they entail a comprehensive transfer of knowledge and best practices that can significantly enhance local capabilities. Thus, for Zambia to effectively “unlock potential,” it must ensure that its intellectual properties are safeguarded while simultaneously promoting transparent knowledge-sharing with Chinese partners.
The only continent with abundant natural resources but still struggling with poverty is Africa…..why….??? On the contrary the only continent with super rich Presidents is Africa…and the answer is very simple….THEFT AND CORRUPTION…..Chakwera has amassed billions….Ramaphosa keeps millions of dollars in his house….HH is even failing to disclose source of his wealth….Munangangwa has finished all what was left by Mugabe….Tshisekedi is now richer than Mobutu….Museveni owns more than 200 multi billion dollar companies in Uganda….in short each and every big company is owned by Museveni in Uganda….
When someone says HH is the best president I wonder whether they were born in the year 2000. There’s never been a patriotic president as Dr Kenneth Kaunda. He had focus and he made sure Zambia became a manufacturing country by setting up industries from food to motor vehicles and electronics. We betrayed him in collaboration with the Western countries to the extent that they reduced the price of copper to three hundred per tonne. That was the beginning of the fall of our beloved KK
And when he left office he had nothing to his name. Perhaps he should have left earlier after training a successor.
Nyerere did better, was wise enough to set his Party to rule for ever. CCM is leading Tanzania to the promised land. Communist Party in China, same thing. Most Tanzanians are movers and not talkers like Deja Vu.
@ Daniel Chisebwe
Are you aware that this is an annual event….did you ask HH what happened to the so called ” investment agreemets” he signed last year….this is just an annual event benefiting the host country….our leaders love to spend and waste tax payers money and they travel with massive entourage
Same thing happened when they went to Dubai expo…they made alot of noise and as of today nothing to show for it…
And next week you will see the Ethiopian Airline landing in Lusaka loaded with Chinese coming to set up chicken runs and building houses in the middle of a busy road…manufacturing substandard roofing sheets…taking over the shylock money lending business
He is taking the country for a ride and am sure he thinks he will continue to do so when voted out.
Chakwera refused to renew the contract for Martha Chizuma ass the head of Anti Corruption Commission in Malawi because she was exposing rampant corruption in his Government and she exposed Chakwera as the one spearheading massive corruption….HH fired Lilian Siyunyi for the same reason…..Musa Mwenya said he witnessed corruption in UPND government like never seen before…..now HH is busy with his extortion business in China and filling his pockets whilst members of his entourage are busy taking selfies and shopping substandard Chinese products
China can celebrate as their economy is doing
Well where as we have gone backwards to a
Level of near black out in energy crises.The
Best we can do is try honourable Mpundu
Formula of helping each and every house hold
With solar powered kit on pay slow .
@Deja vu
How old are you, have you lived in KK’s time,if yes have you forgotten?
Look deeper he was not that hero everybody thinks he was.
How old are you?
KK indeed was a dictator that is for sure ..
The fact that he destroyed a viable economy and left it in rags
and pipo still sing his praises just show up our African mentality
Dictator he was but had a vision which if things were in his favour Zambia would not be a dumping ground for both goods and foreign labour
There are good and bad dictators. HH is a bad one. KK, Gadaffi and others were good dictators who had a heart for their country.
Besides he never created false cases in order to get at his opponents….if someone knows anyone who was arrested on false charges let them mention that person.
I told you guys that praise singers will be celebrating high resolution pictures taken in China…and i saw Pompwe Nevers Mumba jumping up and down celebrating high resolution pictures taken in China…HH and his team they know how to fool Zambians…Next its UN General Assembly pictures in New York….i was talking to my Aunt at the Village back home and she Said the Chinese have invaded their Villages and grabbing pieces of Land and they’re involved in illegal Emerald Mining
Millions liked Hitler, so I guess the loyalty is personal