Opinion | Six reasons Africa finds China attractive, and Western criticism of its relationship unjust

Africa sees China as an inspirational development partner that can help it forge its own economic path and reject the narrative that the continent is a passive victim of exploitation

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Published: 6:45am, 26 Jun 2021Updated: 6:45am, 26 Jun 2021

China and African countries will convene at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Dakar, Senegal, in September, three years after the last forum in Beijing. The keenly awaited conference comes amid the Covid-19 pandemic and a growing rivalry between China and the West, led by the United States.

China’s growing influence in Africa has caused alarm in the US and Europe, attracting criticism on every aspect of its activities. The narrative is that a “predatory” Beijing is trying to recolonise Africa, setting up debt traps and imposing its political system to ultimately take over the continent.

The perception is of China as a resource- and energy-hungry giant, an exploiter of corrupt and incompetent governments, a trade opportunist and a massive polluter of the African environment. Yet, the Sinophobic narrative that portrays African nations as passive collaborators and victims of a second “colonisation” wave is far from true.

Although the evolving China-Africa relationship is far from perfect, the negative picture painted in the West needs to be challenged. And both China and Africa need to take responsibility for the shortcomings in their relationship, and try to resolve them.

China has defended itself against the accusations of neocolonialism, declaring that its intentions in Africa are well meant and for mutual benefit. This defence has been mounted at the highest level, with President Xi Jinping making clear China’s role in Africa at the 2018 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

“China has followed the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests,” said Xi. “China has stood with African countries. Together, we have worked in unity and forged ahead.

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;} Africa sees China as an inspirational development partner that can help it forge its own economic path and reject the narrative that the continent is a passive victim of exploitation

Africa sees China as an inspirational development partner that can help it forge its own economic path and reject the narrative that the continent is a passive victim of exploitation