Overview of China–Africa Collaborations: Opportunities and Criticisms

This chapter provides an overview of China–Africa collaborations. China is a growing developing Asian country that established trade organisations with Africa in both specific bilateral and multilateral relations under the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), AFRODAD, Partnership for Growth and Development (PGD), Economic & Trade Cooperation Forum, and Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETC). This chapter aims to provide an overview of the China–Africa economic collaborations, explore the debate surrounding China–Africa relations, establish China’s contributions to Africa, and highlight Africa’s contributions to China. The methodology employed was exploring critical document review and multiple case studies. The findings of the study are that China has built massive infrastructures like roads, buildings, and railways for African countries including providing loans, and skills transfer. Furthermore, China has diverse interests in developing Africa. This study largely views Africa–China relations as progressive and mutually beneficial. Africa–China collaboration must continue in a mutually beneficial sustainable manner. The political variable should be included in the new international economic models showing how politics will affect the number of products to be traded in bilateral trade and how politics plays a role in ascertaining which products should be traded and providing reasons for such decisions, especially considering Africa–China relations. Africa should take advantage of the appetite to expand trade relations with Africa by China and the United States of America for development.