Thursday, November 11, 2010

An analysis of China-Africa economic ties

The Center for Global Development in Washington just published a paper titled “China in Africa: A Macroeconomic Perspective” by Benedicte Vibe Christensen.

The paper looks at China’s role in Africa from the Chinese perspective. The primary conclusion is that China, as an emerging global player and one of Africa’s largest trading and financial partners, can no longer ignore the macroeconomic impact of its operations on African economies.

Trade, financing and technology transfer must continue at a pace that African economies can absorb without running up against institutional constraints, the capacity to service the costs to future budgets or the balance of payments. A key corollary is that China should show good governance in its own operations in Africa.