China–Africa Agricultural Cooperation Towards Sustainable Development Goals: Present Situation, Challenges and Prospect

Abstract

With the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a reference, this study systematically examines the evolution, characteristics, achievements, and challenges of China–Africa agricultural cooperation. The study elaborates on how China–Africa agricultural cooperation has transitioned from a politically driven aid model to a comprehensive framework integrating aid, investment, trade, and technology transfer under the guidance of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Despite distinct positive achievements in food security, infrastructure construction, and technology transfer between China and Africa, the analysis identifies issues and challenges that affect the sustainability of future cooperation. These include limited impact on comprehensive regional development, scrutiny over trade imbalances and potential resource exploitation, and ineffective utilization of Africa’s diverse agricultural resources. To address these issues, the paper proposes future pathways such as maximizing the potential of Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers (ATDCs), supporting the development of the entire agricultural value chain, and effectively leveraging digital technology. This study argues that it is necessary to adopt a more comprehensive, integrated, and sustainable approach to improve the China–Africa agricultural cooperation model and promote Africa’s achievement of the SDGs.