The Conversation published on 2 September 2024 a commentary titled "China Reaps Most of the Benefits of Its Relationship with Africa: What's Behind the Imbalance" by Bhaso Ndzendze, University of Johannesburg.
At the 8 previous meetings of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, China has reaped most of the benefits. The fault lies with Africa's lack of a strategy for engagement with China. The forum is a platform for China to dole out aid and loans to African countries, and to articulate priorities that serve its own broader ambitions. Africa's voice is minimal in the agenda setting.
Africa needs a concerted approach towards China and all of its so-called strategic partnerships. The African Union Commission should negotiate and set the overall direction in these forums. China has had a long-standing Africa strategy; Africa has none for China. The result is the imbalanced terms of trade between China and African countries.
