The Rise of Chinese Investments in Africa: For Whose Benefit?

Daniel N Mlambo,Victor H Mlambo,Mandla A Mubecua

doi:10.22610/jebs.v10i4(j).2409

Daniel N Mlambo, Victor H Mlambo + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.22610/jebs.v10i4(j).2409

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Abstract

Ever since Chinaâ€™s rise as a global superpower, there have been numerous debates about its role in Africa both from an Afrocentric and Eurocentric perspective. This is while some view its presence in Africa as that of a donor because of its growing investments, others are not entirely convinced and see Chinaâ€™s rising footprints in Africa as another colonialist state in need of looting Africa its resources. By utilizing a qualitative methodology, this paper ponders Chinese investments in Africa with the view of assessing the drivers underpinning China-Africa relations and how this has been beneficial to both parties concerned. In this vein, the study shows that China-Africa engagements are not something new, their relations dates back for decades though became more prominent from the 1950s after the Bandung Conference. Since then, China has risen to be a prominent player with regards to investments in Africa. It has further established various institutes aimed at strengthening its grip as a noticeable state in Africaâ€™s development and political landscapes. The paper concludes by outlining that China has in some way benefited Africa through its investments over the past few decades and these relations have been beneficial to both parties. However, it argues that for more prosperous relations moving forward, African leaders should utilize institutes such as the Forum on ChinaAfrica Cooperation (FOCAC) to articulate clear policies for their engagement(s) with China and to protect their small and fragile economies from cheap Chinese imports.

Highlights

China’s rapid rise as an Asian and Global superpower over the last few decades has attracted much attention from both scholars and policy analysts alike
China’s rise as a global power has been well documented and has over the last few decades seem to be a blessing in disguise for most African nations, a move warmly welcomed by a continent that is the least developed from a global perspective
This paper has argued that China-Africa relations are not something new

Summary

Introduction

China’s rapid rise as an Asian and Global superpower over the last few decades has attracted much attention from both scholars and policy analysts alike. According to Large (2008) over the years and from the 1950s, China has gained noticeable footsteps in Africa through its foreign policy, such that it has dramatically reduced the monopolistic of Western countries that have enjoyed massive footprints in Africa since the era of colonialism. He further contends that much of the attention paid to the nexus between China and Africa took place in a period where most African states were or about to gain their independence from their respective European colonial masters. As the Organization of Africa Unity sort to develop the continent through economic and political integration, China took this opportunity to re-align its foreign policy and establish various agreements with the African community starting with re-enhancing infrastructural development in various African countries (Campbell, 2008)

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