The "Programme for China-Africa Cooperation in Economic and Social Development" stipulates that the two sides agree to set up joint follow-up mechanisms at various levels. Under these mechanisms, the ministers will meet in three years' time to evaluate progress in the implementation of the Programme, senior officials in two years' time and ambassadors to China on a regular basis. The Senior Officials Meetings and the Ministerial Conferences will be convened alternately in China and Africa within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

Soon after the first Ministerial Conference, the Chinese side established the Follow-up Committee of FOCAC. Some African countries also established corresponding follow-up mechanisms.

In July 2001, China and Africa held ministerial consultation in Lusaka, Capital of Zambia, in which the "Procedures of the Follow-up Mechanism of the FOCAC" was discussed. In April 2002, the "Procedures of the Follow-up Mechanism of the FOCAC" formally took effect, which helped standardize the Forum. In November 2002, the second Senior Officials Meeting was held in Addis Ababa, Capital of Ethiopia.

The African diplomatic corps in Beijing and the Chinese Follow-up Committee Secretariat have had fruitful collaboration in materializing the follow-up actions.