Africa and china relations have raised many concerns over the last few decades.

Many researchers and politicians and analysts have all tried to figure out the real agender of the Chinese in Africa.

In this article, we will expound on the factors that compound the positive change in China-Africa relations.

As much as no one is certain, we can all attest to the positive strides the African continent has made since it cooperated with China.

An example is the Tanzam railway connecting copper mines in Zambia with the port of dar salaam in Tanzania which saved the Zambian government the hustle of exporting its copper through South Africa.

1Trade

In just but a blink of an eye china has proven to be a trustworthy trade partner to African countries. It has become the biggest bilateral lender and foreign investor in almost all the African states. Currently, there are more than 1,000 of them operating in Africa with a bulk of its population residing in the continent.

Chinese exports to Africa amounted to USD 113 billion in 2019, while imports from Africa reached USD 78 billion with a steady increase to be expected.

The relationship between Africa and China has been relatively mutual with both countries reaping from the agreement. China has proven to be an alternative partner to these nations because of their favorable conditions.

China has become an additional trade partner to the west.

They provide both the market and goods needed by the continent to grow. Higher Chinese demand for African exports improved terms of trade in the continent, providing the countries with additional financial revenues.

With China as a new important trading partner, African countries were provided with an additional market for exports and imports. With China being relatively cheaper compared to those from the west. It enabled African nations to diversify foreign trade and become less dependent on trade with the west. Growing trade with China increased Africa’s overall global trade, implying that trade creation outpaced trade diversion.

Favourable lender

The Chinese have alternative banks to the world bank and IMF whose conditions may have not necessarily been positive for Africa's development.

Research by scholars at the University of Sussex shows that since 2015, China has accounted for 13 percent of bilateral lending to Africa; the next biggest creditor is the US at a much lower 4 percent.

According to estimates provided by the SAIS China Africa Research Initiative, Chinese credits to Africa amounted to USD 148 billion in 2019. Of this, USD 44 billion (29.7 percent) is allocated to investments in infrastructure, USD 36 billion to energy, and USD 18 billion to mining and extraction.

2Policy on non-interference of any kind

Unlike the western partners the Chinese stand opposite of almost all they stand for.

• They will not interfere with any nation's decision on the nature of development they feel fit to their demands.

• No interference in African countries internal affairs.

• No imposition of its will on African countries.

• No attachment of political strings to assistance to Africa.

• No pursuit of selfish political gains through investment and financing cooperation with Africa.

3Urbanization

Africa has become the fastest urbanizing region of the world, with the highest rates of rural migration that has surpassed India and china.

It's well on its way to becoming one of the final frontiers of the fourth industrial revolution. This rapid transition increased congestion in the already over-pressured capacity of the urban centers.

✓ The number of people in the urban areas is more than the number of housing leading to overcrowding and stressing available facilities.

✓ Waste management and drainage systems will not be able to hold the sudden surge of pressure which maybe lead to catastrophic events. This poses a risk to populations health and hygiene due to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

✓ Social facilities like schools and public places will not be able to offer the quality services as they should. For example, a school meant for 300 students, will be forced to accommodate thrice or more of the number.

✓ High population means raised standards of living, unemployment, and higher prevalence of criminal offenses from minor cases to full-blown crimes.

Depending on governments, it could be an opportunity to harness the opportunities that come with this shift through risking billions in an infrastructure building. The revolution demand resources that China in partnership with African nations has provided.

By 2050, Africa’s 1.1 billion-person population is slated to double, with 80% of this growth happening in cities, bringing the continent’s urban headcount up to more than 1.3 billion.

The population of Lagos alone is growing by 77 people per hour. According to McKinsey, by 2025 more than 100 cities in Africa will contain over a million people. The attention of the world is drifting toward the continent.

The IMF recently declared Africa the world’s second-fastest-growing region, and many are predicting that it is well on its way to becoming a $5 trillion economy, as household consumption is expected to increase at a 3.8% yearly clip to $2.1 trillion by 2025.

4Provision of necessary technological advancements

Africa is in dire need of necessary technological advancements. The high young population in the continent is a priceless asset that will be the much-needed revolution in the continent. The rising education levels compound with other factors demand all that technology has to offer.

As much as the west has been the leading provider of technology, china has also played a key role in the cheap affordable gadgets needed.

The Chinese people and their governments work within a framework of virtues as declared below. According to the ministry of foreign affairs, of the People's Republic of China;

– Upholding shared interests and the greater good, with greater emphasis on the latter. In its cooperation with Africa, China applies the principles of giving more and taking less, giving before taking and giving without asking for something in return.

– Upholding a people-oriented approach in pursuing practical cooperation with efficiency. In its cooperation with Africa, China gives top priority to the interests and well-being of the peoples of China and Africa and works to their benefit.

– Upholding openness and inclusiveness. China stands ready to work with other international partners to support Africa in pursuing peace and development.

Conclusion

With the current unfolding of events witnessed by all in the country, we can almost say they are well within their virtues.

After all, is no relation without exchange and that is what both parties are striving to provide and receive from each other.