Africa-China Relations: Implications for Economic Development

Abstract

The presence of the People’s Republic of China in the African continent has enormous implications for economic development. There is a general agreement that the relationship between China and Africa has both negative as well as positive ramifications, pointing to the imperatives of re-strategizing or re-positioning Africa to optimize its opportunities. Although, the development goal is mutually beneficial for all parties, several countries in Africa are increasingly realizing the risks of dealing with China. Suffice it to say that the quest for sustainable growth and development in Africa has been made complex as a result of a multiplicity of factors, extraneous and endogenous. The paper offers some insights as well as recommendations on how the African continent can maximize opportunities provided by China while ameliorating future trade and partnership related challenges.