The China in Africa Podcast

James Kynge, a veteran Financial Times journalist and author, discusses China's unprecedented manufacturing prowess and its implications for the Global South. He explores how China's ability to produce a $6 toaster illustrates a broader challenge for developing nations trying to climb the industrial ladder. Kynge highlights the unique advantages of industrial clusters like Shenzhen and the dual reality of China's economy, which combines immense wealth and low-wage labor. He warns that as countries compete with the 'China Price,' they face a daunting uphill battle.

Aggrey Mutambo, the Africa editor at the Daily Nation and seasoned journalist, discusses the evolution of China’s portrayal in African media. He highlights how attitudes have shifted from negative to more favorable, thanks to China’s outreach strategies, including journalist junkets and content sharing. Mutambo explores the impact of Western narratives and the growing frustration with them, as well as how returning scholars influence reporting. He delves into the allure of China's rapid infrastructural development and the complexities of balancing progress with environmental concerns.

In this engaging discussion, Kevin Gallagher, a global development policy expert, and Greg Chin, a political science professor, dive into China's remarkable shift from a 'rules taker' to a 'rules maker' in international development finance. They delve into China's establishment of alternative institutions like the AIIB and NDB, emphasizing its growing influence in global governance. Key topics include China's push for green finance, recent debt restructuring practices, and the changing dynamics between donor and recipient nations as China redefines development norms.

Yufan Huang, a pre-doctoral fellow at the China-Africa Research Initiative, shares his insights on Kenya's recent debt swap with China. He explains how Kenya converted $3.5 billion in high-interest U.S. dollar loans to more favorable yuan loans and the potential $215 million savings. However, Yufan warns that these savings could be illusory due to currency risks, including yuan appreciation. He also discusses the implications for other countries like Ethiopia and Indonesia, shedding light on China's evolving debt relief strategies.

Ghana's negotiations for a China–Ghana free trade deal have sparked a fierce national debate. Political leaders are hailing it as a breakthrough for exporters, while manufacturers warn of being swamped by cheaper Chinese imports. At the heart of the discussion lies a deeper question: how much power do African countries really have to shape their trade relationships with China? To unpack both the deal and the broader question of "agency" in Africa–China relations, Eric & Cobus speak with Folashadé Soulé of the University of Oxford's Global Economic Governance Program. She explains her new framework on five types of African agency, from presidential to civil society, and how African actors at every level use strategy, negotiation, and intent to influence outcomes with Beijing. ⏱️ CHAPTERS: Introduction The Free Trade Debate in Ghana Non-Tariff Barriers & Export Reality Check Africa's Structural Challenge Introducing Agency in Africa–China Relations Five Typologies of Agency Presidential vs. Executive Agency Bureaucratic Agency Civic & Civil Society Agency The "Agency Turn" Western Narratives & Misconceptions Accountability, Corruption, Intentionality Final Reflections SHOW NOTES: Cambridge University Press: The Study of Agency in Africa–China Relations: The Case for Typologies by Folashadé Soulé (open access) JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH & SPANISH: French: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Spanish: www.chinalasamericas.com | @ChinaAmericas JOIN US ON PATREON! Become a CGSP Patreon member and get all sorts of cool stuff, including our Week in Review report, an invitation to join monthly Zoom calls with Eric & Cobus, and even an awesome new CGSP Podcast mug! www.patreon.com/chinaglobalsouth

Frangton Chiyemura, an international development lecturer, Wei Shen, a research fellow focusing on African electrification, and Adjekai Adjei, an energy finance expert, delve into China's transformative role in Africa's energy landscape. They discuss China's $33 billion investments across 30 countries and the crucial pivot toward renewable energy sources like hydropower and solar. The experts emphasize the importance of data transparency for effective negotiations and share insights on balancing the benefits of Chinese investments against potential dependency risks for African nations.

Kenya's groundbreaking agreement to restructure $3.5 billion in railway loans from U.S. dollars to Chinese yuan could save $215 million, setting a precedent for other nations. The discussion challenges the narrative of China's 'debt-trap diplomacy' by highlighting the relatively small percentage of Kenyan debt owed to China. The implications for the internationalization of the RMB and potential lessons for the Global South are explored. Additionally, Cameroon’s emerging trade dynamics with China and France add to the complexities of this geopolitical landscape.

Obert Bore, Critical Minerals Editor at the China Global South Project, dives into the fallout from a toxic spill in Zambia's Kafue River after a Chinese mining company's failure. Discussions highlight the massive $80 billion lawsuits filed against Sino-Metals amidst local outrage. Chinese social media explodes with accusations of extortion, while commentary explores themes of victimhood and geopolitical tensions. Bore urges better community engagement and local regulation for Chinese firms, emphasizing the need for transparency and environmental accountability.

Brian Wong, an assistant professor at the University of Hong Kong and expert on Chinese global governance, explores China's newly announced Global Governance Initiative (GGI). He discusses how China is positioning itself for leadership amid declining US influence, emphasizing its economic interests and support for multilateralism. Wong highlights the concept of 'dexterous ambiguity' in Chinese initiatives, and reveals the need for China to build trust with neighbors despite geopolitical tensions. He argues that the GGI offers states more options without completely challenging the current global order.

Trade between Africa and China is booming, surpassing $220 billion, but the surge in Chinese exports exacerbates a staggering $60 billion trade deficit. South Africa is struggling to close this gap, largely reliant on agricultural exports. The ethics of food exports amidst local food insecurity raises concerns. Local producers are squeezed by low-cost imports, complicating market dynamics. Discussion shifts to trade concentration and the potential of intra-African trade to reduce reliance on China. Hybrid consumer models may emerge as innovation drives new markets.