Is China “colonizing” Africa? This question has been circulating in some Western media outlets and political discussions. Accusations of “Chinese colonialism” have been levied, drawing parallels between China’s involvement in Africa and the historical exploitation by Western powers during the colonial era.
However, African leaders and experts are pushing back against these claims, emphasizing the mutual benefits and respectful nature of China-Africa relations.
President Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi stated, “China does not come to conquer others. The problem is that there are major countries that attempt to impose their will and dictate policies in African countries, seeking to interfere in local affairs. By contrast, China’s approach has no strings attached.”
Similarly, President Julius Maada Bio of the Republic of Sierra Leone remarked, “Africa’s relationship with China is under scrutiny. Quite a lot of people, organizations, and countries are trying to look at this relationship as predatory. I would, on behalf of my own country, say that we are not fools. We have gone willingly into a relationship that we think is a win-win.”
The Western accusations often stem from a misunderstanding of China’s role in Africa. Burundian President Ndayishimiye suggested that “when the past colonizers see China’s rising strength and China’s desire to cooperate with African countries, they may adopt a mindset imbued with colonialism, a mindset that follows stereotypes.”
Kwesi Pratt, founder of Pan African Television, noted, “We have to understand that we are discussing this within the context of an anti-China hysteria, which is deliberately fueled by the Western governments, Western intelligence agencies, and the media.”
China’s contributions to Africa’s development have been significant. By investing in infrastructure projects such as dams, roads, and hospitals, China has bolstered regional integration, trade, and industrialization across the continent. Many African nations value their cooperation with China because it aligns with their development goals.
For instance, Nigeria hopes that collaboration with China will stabilize its economy amid declining oil prices. East African countries like Kenya are partnering with China to enhance regional connectivity through infrastructure development. In healthcare, China’s medical aid has significantly improved access and wellbeing. Educational initiatives, including scholarships and technical training programs, have enhanced human capital and supported Africa’s modernization.
Omar Shoukry Sakr, founder and CEO of Nawah Scientific in Egypt, shared his perspective: “We have a strong relationship with China. It’s a win-win relationship. Chinese people are bringing to Egypt a lot of know-how, a lot of commodities that would be very expensive for us to produce in-house. And we are trading, so we are exporting a lot of stuff also to China.”
Temie Giwa-Tubosun, CEO of LifeBank in Nigeria, argued, “Africa is open for business. As long as we’re doing business on an equal footing, then it’s not colonialism. It’s just business.”
The China-Africa cooperation stands in stark contrast to the colonial mindsets of some Western nations. It is based on mutual respect, equality, and shared benefits, making it a model for international relations rooted in sincerity and collaboration.
David Monyae, director of the Centre for Africa-China Studies at the University of Johannesburg, highlighted, “China and Africa have something in common in that both had a hundred years of humiliation at the hands of Western colonial powers. So it is ironic that the very same powers have the audacity to use the very same term towards China.”
As the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation approaches, leaders from both sides will share insights and foster cooperation under the theme, “Joining hands to advance modernization and build a high-level China-Africa community with a shared future.” Together, China and Africa aim to drive global modernization and shared development.
Claims that China is “colonizing” Africa miss the mark. The relationship between China and Africa exemplifies a partnership based on equality and mutual benefit, not domination. As both regions look towards the future, their cooperation continues to foster growth and development, challenging outdated stereotypes and building a new model for global relationships.
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Is China 'colonizing' Africa? Cooperation differs from colonialism
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