Can Africa think?

. What is China up to?

. Why Africa?

. Africa-China relations, lossers are known. What is not clear is the end game for winners. Anyone calling himself African should be bothered by these three questions.

Dancing with a giant

Let me begin with a proposition. Giants compete giants. Yes China is a giant. This is a fact that cannot be disputed. China is a giant that was in slumber for quite a long time. And as envisioned by Napoleon, China woke up from its slumber and rose to economic heights that saw China become the world’s fastest growing economy, the second economy in the world and an emerging power whose threats are real, unavoidable and inevitable. Ideally one would assume that with such economic and political strengths then your game should be maintained over and above. Not stooping low to the ranks of Africa. Africa is one of the poorest continents in the world yet China sees Africa as a potential ally not only for economic gain but also for sustained prosperity. What makes an economic giant wander around economic losers is a question that should disturb if not all but many. With such a profile then China’s greatest allies and partners should be Europe, US, among other great allies. But Africa? ??? No there is more than meets the eyes.

Winners and lossers

Take it or leave it. This is usually a phrase thrown to someone who is so desperate. Someone without an alternative means out of a situation. Let’s say Africa is in economic desperation. Always willing and ready to take anything and everything thrown to them, they don’t stop for a second to see what’s in the deal and if anything good can come out of it. For them trade deficit is not an insult but an excellent opportunity.

In a deal between parties, both partners should leave the table slightly disappointed or better still everyone walks away happy. That’s a good negotiation. China is always walking away smiling while Africa is weeping. Diplomatic triumph for China big loss for Africa.

The pupported infrastructure boom for Africa cannot be compared with the massive gains China accumulates in Africa.

South-south relations should should be a beneficial one for both actors. Mutual gains. For China it is geo-economic interests at play. They have mastered the art of enticing Africa with their sweeteners. Foreign aid, foreign investment, scholarships, among other goodies. Foreign aid then becomes a good bargaining chip for more and more. Foreign aid comes in handy with conditionalities all seeing China winning more and more while Africa losses more and more and more… Debt trap for Africa in the name assistance. And so who wins and who loses?

Africa is the destination for Chinese cheapest commodities, Africa markets are flooded with Chinese products, local industries closing down. Another loss for Africa. Presence of thousands of Chinese companies a win for China. With high population in China, Africa is the place for easing the population pressure…

Once bitten not shy! !

Am sure you must have read a book by Walter Rodney. ‘How Europe underdeveloped Africa’ if you have not read it then you will be reading two books . Two books closely related, let’s say even similar in a way. The second book should be out soon. ‘How China underdeveloped Africa’ who knows I might be your dear author.

In Rodney’s case, Africa can be said to have been coerced into the economic struggle witnessed. In the present case scenario with China, Africa is simply a fool. Headed the same road twice and simply not concern??

According to the latest reports Africa has eclipsed countries like US making Africa China’s largest trading partner.

Maybe China loves Africa or Africa loves China. What do you think?