The question of African agency as a source of critical thinking about Africa’s strategic partnerships with others in the world has gained traction. It relates both to African interests in partnerships and how they are asserted. This line of inquiry prompts observers to consider just what is strategic to Africa and Africans in these relationships. Established in 2000, FOCAC serves as a forum to strengthen relations between African countries and China across key areas of interest. In the years following its establishment, a series of ministerial conferences have been systematically convened on a rotational basis. Each conference has produced different resolutions and action plans, contributing to the framework that guides the intricate relations between African countries and China. Over time, a growing concern has emerged regarding Africa’s perceived restricted decision-making capacity within the FOCAC process. This apprehension is compounded by China’s considerable influence, derived from both the commitments it articulates in each FOCAC meeting and the two African policy papers it has produced through this forum. While the forum has strived to establish a reputation grounded in win-win cooperation, there are concerns about the asymmetric nature of the FOCAC relationship. This paper seeks to explore the nature and manifestation of African agency in the FOCAC process. It specifically addresses this question by analysing (1) what are Africa’s strategic interests in FOCAC, (2) how these interests informed African agency in FOCAC, and (3), therefore, whether, over the years of its existence, FOCAC contributes to enhancing or diminishing African agency; (4) what could be done to improve African agency in FOCAC in future?