African Perspectives on China in Africa

Edited by Firoze Manji, Stephen Marks

China in Africa: solidarity or exploitation?

China’s involvement in Africa has provoked much debate and discussion. Is China just the latest in a line of exploiters of Africa’s rich natural resources who put their own economic interests above humanitarian, environmental or human rights concerns?

Or is China’s engagement an extension of ‘South–South solidarity’? Does China’s involvement enable African countries to free themselves from the tyranny of debt and conditionality that, through two decades of structural adjustment programmes, have reversed most of the gains of independence? Or is Africa swapping one tyranny for another?
Looking beyond the West’s interests

Much of the commentary on China in Africa focuses either on assessing how Western capital’s interest might be affected, or on denouncing China for practices that have for centuries been the norm for US and European powers – support for dictators, callous destruction of the environment, exploitation of minerals, and complete disregard for human rights.
Independent African perspectives

Lost in that noisy debate has been the voice of independent African analysts and activists. They are heard in this unique collection of essays from the prize-winning weekly electronic newsletter, Pambazuka News. As these articles demonstrate, there is no single ‘African view’ about China in Africa, but the authors are united by their concern for, and commitment to, social justice for Africa’s people.

The contributors include Ali Askouri, Horace Campbell, Michelle Chan-Fishel, Moreblessings Chidaushe, John Blessing Karumbidza, Daniel Large, Anabela Lemos, Firoze Manji, Stephen Marks, Ndubisi Obiorah, Kwesi Kwaa Prah, Daniel Ribeiro and John Rocha.

Contents

Preface
Firoze Manji

Introduction
Stephen Marks

A new frontier in the exploitation of Africa’s natural resources:
The emergence of China
John Rocha

Who’s afraid of China in Africa?
Towards an African civil society perspective on China–Africa relations
Ndubisi Obiorah

Africa and China: then and now
Interview with Kwesi Kwaa Prah

Taking ownership or just changing owners?
Anabela Lemos and Daniel Ribeiro

China’s investment in Sudan: displacing villages and destroying communities
Ali Askouri

Win–win economic cooperation: can China save Zimbabwe’s economy?
John Blessing Karumbidza

China’s grand re-entrance into Africa – mirage or oasis?
Moreblessings Chidaushe

China in Africa: challenging US global hegemony
Horace Campbell

Environmental impact: more of the same?
Michelle Chan-Fishel

As the beginning ends: China’s return to Africa
Daniel Large

About the Authors

Firoze Manji, a Kenyan, is founder and executive director of Fahamu and editor of Pambazuka News. He has formerly worked as programme director for the International Secretariat of Amnesty International, CEO for the Aga Khan Foundation UK, and regional representative for health for IDRC’s office for Eastern and Southern Africa.

Stephen Marks is a freelance researcher, writer and consultant in economic development, human rights, planning, and the environment.