Africa: Leveraging China-Africa Relations Starts With Communication

analysis

In the context of a 'normalising' Chinese economy, that seeks to move from a manufacturing-centred economy to one driven by consumption and services, there are obviously concerns about the impact on Africa through a decrease in commodity exports (and income) to China. Yet such shifts also signal opportunity and perhaps changes in China's approach towards the continent, to include 'softer' issues - like closer public interaction.

2015 is a significant year for China-Africa relations. The 6th iteration of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) will be held this week in Johannesburg, South Africa. Discussions building up to the summit have focussed on how to upgrade relations beyond trade figures. Additional considerations are the inclusion of synergies with the AU 2063 development agenda, and connecting Africa's capitals through railway, highways and aviation (which China will help build), to accelerate industrialisation.

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