In the past decade and a half, China has emerged as Africa’s largest development partner, tying extensive bilateral and multilateral investments to consolidate Sino-Africa relations.
The Chinese economy, flying at double digits, has fuelled diversifying partnerships in infrastructure, mining, agriculture and manufacturing. Now, it is emphasising quality investments in new technologies and climate friendly green economies, which could help Africa realise its climate change targets.
Where China has succeeded in doing business and forging strong political and economic relations with African countries, Western policy makers and business leaders tend to view the continent with condescending scepticism, almost akin to historical colonial sentiments.
Yet in the past year, Africa has seen more interest from Western powers, with high-ranking government officials from Europe and the US traversing the continent, making promises to…