China relies extensively on its investment and foreign aid apparatus to bolster its soft power on the continent. While Sata's election will not deter the Chinese from further investing in Zambia, it could signal the beginning of a trend in African politics for candidates to run on anti-Chinese platforms.

The phrase “gets bandied about in various ways,” said Mr. Goldkorn. “It should mean that you have the power of attraction, and China’s been very bad at that,” he said, citing its lack of transparency, harsh treatment of dissidents, hard-line stance over claims in the South China Sea and food safety scandals.

Bruce Wharton... said that by inviting the four presidents to Washington, the Obama administration is highlighting the importance of "holding credible elections, building strong democratic institutions and fostering economic development."

There has been some criticism of Obama being long on rhetoric and short on specifics, but that is what public speeches are all about. They are supposed to appeal to our hearts, not our heads....This is the very essence of "soft power".

Africa's attractiveness as a place to invest is growing, according to a survey about business across the continent. But it's not all good news for African business. The survey shows that Africa is seen as an attractive investment primarily by Africans and then by emerging markets -- but less so by developed countries.

Cabinet ministers of 11 Central and South American nations will arrive in Seoul this week for a two-day investment and trade forum to be held from Wednesday. The business gathering featuring high-profile participants is taking place several months after Seoul unveiled a plan to bolster ties with emerging nations and beef up energy diplomacy.

This feeling of mutually beneficial strategic cooperation rather than exploitation is the result of longstanding Chinese educational and investment projects in Africa.

Investors are starting to realize there are business opportunities in Africa. Last year, Barron’s magazine published The Final Frontier, a cover story about investment in the continent. Consulting firm McKinsey published a report looking at African growth opportunities by sector. Boston Consulting Group published a report identifying the top 40 companies in Africa, all with over $350 million in annual sales.