DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — In a landmark event that promises to reshape the dynamics of global development, China and African nations have unveiled the Dar es Salaam Consensus during the 13th session of the China-Africa Think Tank Forum.
Held in Tanzania’s bustling capital, this historic gathering saw over 100 scholars from 50 African countries come together to evaluate decades of China-Africa collaboration and chart a course for future progress.
The Dar es Salaam Consensus outlines eight crucial initiatives aimed at fostering development and cooperation.
These initiatives emphasize development, world multi-polarisation, inclusive economic globalization, international financial system reform, high-quality sustainable development, endogenous development dynamics, comprehensive security cooperation, and shared development knowledge.
This consensus reflects the shared vision of China and African nations for peace and progress, highlighting their commitment to enhancing cooperation and promoting South-South cooperation.
It aligns with broader goals to build a global community with a shared future, particularly within the Global South.
The countries of the Global South face significant hurdles in their development journey, often marginalized within the global economic and political framework.
These challenges include inequitable trade terms, insufficient investment, technology transfer restrictions, and environmental pressures.
As a result, these nations are susceptible to financial market volatility, capital flight, currency depreciation, and debt crises.
The Dar es Salaam Consensus champions the principle of development primacy, placing development at the heart of international cooperation.
It calls for increased self-reliance, economic diversification, and the establishment of a new, equitable, and mutually supportive global political-economic structure.
This strategy aims to help these countries better withstand external shocks and achieve sustainable socioeconomic growth.
China-Africa cooperation serves as a prime example of these principles in action. Chinese-initiated infrastructure projects in Africa, such as railways and roads, have significantly improved transportation, spurred local industrialization, and driven urbanization.
The Mombasa-Nairobi railway, built by a Chinese company, has reduced freight transit times and bolstered economic growth and job creation along its route.
This demonstrates the vital role of infrastructure development in regional economic integration.
The spirit of mutual benefit and win-win underpins the Dar es Salaam Consensus.
This ethos ensures that cooperation serves collective interests, advocating for stronger global economic governance, reduced trade barriers, more resilient production and supply chains, and support for African countries to upgrade their industrial and agricultural sectors.
China-Africa cooperation in knowledge sharing is also deepening mutual understanding and strengthening partnerships.
Both regions face common economic, social, and environmental challenges, and by sharing knowledge and experiences, they can jointly develop effective solutions, enhance problem-solving efficiency, and promote common development.
