However, the continent experienced a paradigm shift in the postcolonial era. Asian involvement in African economic, political and strategic business has been increasingly growing at an unprecedented level. Economic activities between Africa and Asia have been booming like never before.
Today, partly as a result of accelerating commerce between developing countries throughout the world, the scale and pace of trade and investment flows between Africa and Asia is exceptional. Businesses from China and India are pursuing strategies in Africa that are about far more than natural resources.
On the other hand, both India and China have burgeoning middle classes with rising incomes and purchasing power whose members are increasingly buying Africa’s light manufactured products, household consumer goods, and processed foods and using its back-office services, tourism facilities, and telecommunications.
Cumulatively, the two countries have since played significant role in natural infrastructure, trade, human development and scientific advancement in Africa. China and India, Asia’s two emerging powerhouses, have made no secret of their desire to engage with resource-rich Africa as they seek new economic partnerships to fuel their booming economies. China is Africa’s largest trading partner and the continent is also its largest source of imports. China mostly exports manufactured products to Africa, such as textiles, electronics, and machinery, and imports mostly oil, but also metals such as iron and copper.
The history of India’s trade with Africa’s eastern and southern regions dates back to at least the days of the Silk Road, and China has been involved on the continent since it started investing there, mostly in infrastructure, during the postcolonial era. It is notable that to date, India has continued partnering with the continent in a number of areas.
It is no doubt that a considerable number of Africans travel to India than any other country for medical services, and a number of Indians setting up industries and trade in Africa in equal measure. Indian prime minister’s rare visit to Africa could be attributed to these developments.
Precisely, India had traditionally hosted African leaders at home rather than visiting the continent. These visits correct the impression that India considers Africa as a great friend, and affirms the potentials that still exist.
This is the same attribution that is attached to the visit by China’s president, Xi Jinping. The two leaders have moved to capitalise on the opportunities unlocked by these developments, which may be termed as completely different approaches from the traditional way of courting Africa. They stand to substantially benefit in the longer term as they refine their strategies to manage and keep the ties stronger. It may also be looked at in the lenses of extent of the opportunities that Africa presents and its importance in global politics.
Although commentators cite raw materials remaining at the forefront of both China and India’s strategies in Africa, their interests extend beyond natural resources. For the two Asian behemoths, Africa, home to slightly over one billion people, is a vast continent offering opportunities in a wide array of sectors, manufacturing, telecommunications, services, and infrastructure. Investment in these sectors is crucial to the continent’s population and equally beneficial to the two countries.
China and India’s expanding partnerships with Africa could present the continent with a significant opportunity for growth and economic transformation if they are used wisely. It would require a strong vision of African leaders and boosting the strength of the continent’s institutions to shape China and India’s engagement for the benefit of our African people.
@Kimanuka The views expressed in this article are of the author.