In the period between 2004 and 2008, Africa developed a number of ground breaking partnerships with the rest of the world aimed at enhancing cooperation and consolidating growth of the continent. These include the Africa-South America, Africa-India, and Africa-Turkey partnerships. During the same period, existing cooperation between Africa and its traditional partners were re-defined, invigorated and strengthened. These include Africa-Europe Partnership, the China-Africa Forum and the TICAD process led by Japan.
The philosophy underpinning Africa’s new partnerships is predicated on specific objectives with pre-determined “Win-Win” outcomes for the mutual benefits of the parties involved. It is based on the principle of trust, equality and mutual respect. It aims at obliterating the age-long pattern of donor-recipient relationship, to one founded on reciprocal obligations and responsibilities.
These partnerships are consistent with the clearly defined vision and development strategy of the African Union (AU), with particular emphasis on speeding up industrialization, development of infrastructure, development and acquisition of technology and know-how and development of human capital, all of which are outlined in the Commission’s Strategic Plan and the AU’s NEPAD programme.