China in Africa Project

SAIIA’s China in Africa research project investigates the emerging relationship between China and Africa, analyses the character and content of China’s trade and foreign policy towards the continent, and studies the implications of this strategic co-operation in the political, military, economic and diplomatic fields.

The project seeks to develop an understanding of the motives, rationale and institutional structures guiding China’s Africa policy, and to study China’s growing power and influence so that it will help rather than hinder development prospects in Africa. It further assists African policy makers to recognise the opportunities presented by the Chinese commitment to the continent, and presents a platform for broad discussion about how to facilitate closer co-operation. The key objective of the programme is the development of policy relevant research that will allow African leaders, institutions, trade unions and civil society to reap the benefits of the interaction with China so that a collective and integrated response to future challenges can be devised that provides for constructive engagement with Chinese partners.

Research is being undertaken throughout the continent (Southern, East, Central and West Africa) and deals with different dimensions of Chinese continental engagement (energy, resources, trade, investment, aid, development, agriculture, peace, security and multilateralism). A ‘China-Africa Toolkit’ has been developed and is targeted at policy makers in Africa. It serves as an information data base, a source of capacity building and a guide to policy formulation.

Staff

Funding

The project is funded by the UK Department for International Development (Dfid) and the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA).