China's Development Aid to Africa

The article examines China’s development aid to Africa. Specifically, it probes the nature and dynamics of Chinese aid, and its ramifications for Africa. In order to address the research problem, the article provides a historical account of China’s engagement in Africa dating back to the “Cold War era.” The central finding is that although African states derive some benefits from China’s development aid, the relationship is an unequal one. This is because, on balance, China is getting more from Africa in terms of oil and other raw materials, and profits from investments, trade and the sale of weapons, compared to the infrastructural projects and cheap manufactured goods that African states are getting. As well, Chinese aid has adverse impact on political democratization and stability on the continent, because it is being used to prop up repressive regimes and to help fuel conflicts.