By Zweli Martin Dlamini

MBABANE:Eswatini stands a chance to benefit from the ongoing African-Chinese think tanks collaboration,should the country establish diplomatic ties with People’s Republic of China(PRC).

IOL News reported that,the burgeoning collaboration between African and Chinese think tanks is reshaping the landscape of global development dialogue, with South Africa playing a pivotal role in this transformative era.

It has been reported that,this partnership,which is set to be further explored and solidified in various forums including the much-anticipated Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024,stands as a testament to the shared commitment towards sustainable growth and mutual prosperity. 

While FOCAC represents a broader platform for engagement, the core focus of the discussions remains on the critical role of think tanks in steering these global development narratives.

“The convergence of African and Chinese think tanks, exemplified by forums like the one recently held in Dar es Salaam,Tanzania, signifies a burgeoning intellectual alliance.These platforms are not just ceremonial gatherings but crucibles for innovative thinking and strategic planning.They embody the intellectual groundwork necessary for envisioning and executing collaborative development projects that are sensitive to the needs and aspirations of both regions.This synergy plays a crucial role in deepening global development cooperation by facilitating a cross-pollination of ideas, research, and policy strategies that cater to both regional and global development objectives.In this evolving dialogue, South Africa emerges as a strategic interlocutor, leveraging its unique position to bridge the aspirations of the African continent with the developmental prowess of China.

The engagements through these think tanks allow South Africa to articulate the continent’s developmental agenda, ensuring that the collaborative efforts are aligned with Africa’s priorities, such as industrialisation, infrastructure development, and technological advancement”, IOL reported in an article written by Kuben Chetty a political editor.

In the article, Chetty highlighted that, South African think tanks “are pivotal in harnessing and directing the intellectual capital necessary for the formulation of policies and strategies” that advance the broader goals of global development cooperation

“The collaboration between think tanks goes beyond academic discourse, influencing policy decisions and strategic investments.It lays the intellectual foundation for large-scale economic initiatives and bilateral agreements,such as those anticipated to be further discussed at forums like FOCAC.However, the essence of these collaborations is captured in the meticulous work of think tanks, which analyse, propose, and strategise on the multifaceted aspects of Africa-China cooperation.This intellectual engagement is instrumental in deepening the global development cooperation by ensuring that the initiatives and policies adopted are grounded in thorough research and mutual understanding, leading to more effective and sustainable outcomes”,reads the article in part published by IOL News.