China in Africa: Exploring the Dividends and the Challenges

Abstract

The study examined China’s presence in Africa, the warm reception it has received from African states into the continent, the benefits Africa stands to gain from the relationship as well as other emerging issues. In order to arrive at a reliable outcome, the work utilized descriptive research design and obtained data from secondary sources such as textbooks, journals, research articles, magazines, newspaper, the internet, etc. While the analysis of the data was enhanced through the tool of content analysis, the linkage approach, which emphasizes the important connection between the domestic factor and the states actions and decisions at the international scene, was adopted as framework for the study. In all, the findings suggested that there are a lot of benefits accruing to Africa as a result of its relation with China. These were highlighted and discussed under various headings covering investment, training and technology transfer, scholarship, free interest loans, forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCA), job creation and skill acquisition. The study also pointed out the flip sides of China’s engagement in Africa. These issues, which are also emerging, include: human right abuse, Job loss due to competition, spying accusation and loss of confidence in China, wrong political influence and the piling up of debt traps through interest free loans. Some recommendations were made to ensure that both parties – China and Africa- mutually benefit from this engagement. Thus: Efforts should be made to sustain the relationship in such a way that both sides can benefit mutually. This could be attained by being opened and transparent in all the dealings by both parties; African states should seize the current opportunity of their engagement with China to develop their needed infrastructure and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for their economic and industrial growth because delay may be dangerous; China should write its name in the annals of African technological breakthrough history by genuinely transfer more technology to African for self-reliance and development; All the issues considered as flip side in this study must be looked into, especially the issues of human rights abuse, wrong political influence and piling up of debt for the unborn generations; Finally, we believe that there is no engagement anywhere in the world that is devoid of issues but the ability to resolve them is what defines the texture and the contour of such engagement. Therefore, they must work hard to settle any issue that may arise between them, including the spying allegation leveled against China.