CHINESE AMBITIOUS STRIVE TO LEAD A NEW WORLD ORDER AND ITS IMPLICATION FOR THE AFRICAN CONTINENT

Abstract

The World is presently undergoing two critical transitions – the energy transition to net zero emissions, which has become a topic of great concerns because of the existential threat to humanity, and a possible geopolitical world order transition from the Western-dominated Bretton wood system, to a multipolar, shared future model orchestrated by China and its allies. China has become a fierce contender of the global leadership with a mantra for a change from the American led World Order, having itself benefited immensely from the Bretton wood institutions under the American hegemony. With its economic growth and technological advancement, China is now championing a new world order, and many countries are already aligning with this vision, especially as China provides huge economic support in the form of loans and through its One Belt One Road Initiatives, which, without doubt has benefited some countries on the African continent. China’s call is also clearly heard in the formation and rapid expansion of BRICS Group, which has also been welcome by other countries, as a platform to break free from the Western hegemony. That notwithstanding, China generous infrastructural project, has in most cases been branded as a debt trap, and this is where it is important for Africa to be more careful and detailed when negotiating any debt with China. Africa must also remain unaligned in view of the current scramble by both Western and Eastern Powers for its natural resources to fuel their energy demands, especially for rare earth minerals for the energy transition technologies. Africa must visibly wear its Africana Agenda in any fora to protect its political and economic sovereignty, while dealing with its Western and Eastern suitors for its resources.