Emerging Trends in China-Africa Relationship

The rise of China as one of Africa's leading external partners is changing the character of the continent's traditional international relationships.  However, it is not only Africa that is being challenged by this engagement, but China's foreign policy is also undergoing a change as a result of this developing relationship.

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) through its China in Africa project has begun to interrogate the relationship between the resource hungry rising superpower and African countries.

SAIIA's China in Africa project will present its latest research findings at a workshop hosted by the Economic Affairs Department of the African Union on "China and Africa: understanding emerging trends in the relationship" on Monday, September 8, 2008, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the AU Plenary Hall in Addis Abba.

This workshop will take a closer look at case studies that illustrate China's growing interactions with African governments and business,  including a study of the engagement between Ghana and China, China's involvement in the power sector in Kenya, the role of Chinese financial institutions in Africa, and the emerging trends in resources, agriculture and finance. These case studies will be presented by leading researchers: Dr Chris Alden, London School of Economics/ Head of SAIIA's China in Africa project; Tsidiso Disenyana, SAIIA; Isaac Idun-Arkhurst, Cambridge University; and Riaan Meyer, a financial consultant.

Researchers from SAIIA's Governance of Africa's Resources Programme, Development through Trade Project, EU-Africa Project and APRM and Governance Programme will also be in Addis Ababa to attend the workshop and to showcase their own research from the 3-10 September.

A similar workshop looking at ‘China's Role in West Africa: development and governance implications' will be hosted by CDD-Ghana in Accra on 12 September.

The China in Africa Project of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) will be making presentations on its research findings at a workshop on "China and Africa: understanding emerging trends in the relationship" on Monday, September 8, 2008, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, at the AU Plenary Hall in Addis Abba, Ethiopia.

The China in Africa Project of the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) will be making presentations on its research findings at a workshop, hosted by CDD-Ghana in Accra, Ghana, on ‘China's Role in West Africa: development and governance implications' on 12 September 2008.

For Further information, please contact SAIIA's Media Liaison Officer, Leaza Kolkenbeck Ruh, on +27 11 339 2021 or Leaza.Kolkenbeck-Ruh@wits.ac.za, or go to www.saiia.org.za