Invited guests visit the Kpongwater supply expansion project, some 80 kilometres from Accra, capital of Ghana. [Photo: Xinhua]

South African officials are expressing a lot of hope about the forthcoming Forum on China-Africa Cooperation next week in South Africa.

Dolana Msimang, South Africa's ambassdor to China, says expectations are running high in her country about Xi Jinping's impending trip.

"And China-African cooperation has brightened Africans' prospect in many ways. China is Africa's largest trading partner, as we all know. And for us Africans, we don't think we could find a better partner, to partner us in this development quest. I wish to take also this opportunity to express on behalf of the South African Government our deepest appreciation for the commitment and dedication of the initiator of FOCAC. We are confident that it will be a memorable summit with memorable outcomes, leading to tangible results and improves the lives of peoples of Africa and China."

At the same time, Chinese observers are suggesting the annual forum next week may go beyond trade and finance.

Professor Liu Hongyuan with Zhejiang Normal University suggests a focus on education and joint-research may be one area of interest.

"China and Africa should be partnering more through cultural and educational exchanges to try to absorb the essence of each other's cultures and wisdom. The think tanks and academic institutions on both sides should also be working more closely together. China should consider building universities in Africa. This could help facilitate the creation of joint science labs. On top of this, more should be done to highlight the cultural legacies both China and Africa share to create more cultural links."

The Summit of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is due to be held in Johannesburg on December 4th and 5th.