Tuesday, February 17, 2015

The AU-China Infrastructure Deal: A New Approach?

The Centre for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University published a brief commentary on 9 February 2015 titled "The AU-China Infrastructure Deal: A Shifting Terrain" by Ross Anthony, interim director of the Centre.

The African Union and China signed early this year a memorandum of understanding for a series of infrastructure projects which will cross the African continent.  Details of the understanding are not available, but it seems to suggest a model of engagement on infrastructure building that will be different than the traditional "Angola model," whereby China provides loans for infrastructure within one country in return for the shipment of natural resources to China to pay off the loan.