The China in Africa Podcast

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.

Amit Jain, Director at Nanyang Technological University, explores the evolving Asia-Africa economic landscape, highlighting Singapore's role as a trading hub. Veda Vaidyanathan from CSEP shares insights on India's renewed focus on Africa, discussing opportunities and challenges in these partnerships. The conversation delves into critical minerals, mutual learning, and the historical ties influencing current relations. Both guests stress the importance of African agency in navigating partnerships beyond China and the need for deeper engagement with Asian nations.

Lungani Hlongwa, editor of the China-Africa Security Radar, dives into China's expanding security presence in Africa. He discusses how Chinese arms sales have made China the largest supplier in Sub-Saharan Africa. The conversation highlights the shift of African militaries towards China for support, moving away from traditional U.S. partnerships. Hlongwa also addresses rising concerns about the safety of Chinese nationals amid kidnappings in countries like the DRC and Nigeria, emphasizing the complexities of security governance on the continent.

The Kenyan government is under mounting pressure from the United States over its close ties with China. Influential lawmakers in Washington are furious over comments made by President William Ruto during a visit to Beijing earlier this year, where he said Kenya and China will be the "architects of a new world order." The remark was particularly upsetting for some in Washington, given Kenya's role as a Major Non-NATO Ally. Aggrey Mutambo, Africa editor at the Nation newspaper, joins Eric & Cobus from Nairobi to discuss how the Kenyan government is responding and what it's doing to maintain stable ties with both major powers. SHOW NOTES: Aggrey Mutambo's article index at the Nation newspaper. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @agmutambo Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine 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

Paul Nantulya, a research associate at the Africa Strategic Studies Center, dives into China's growing role in African security. He discusses China's Global Security Initiative, contrasting it with Western military approaches. Paul highlights how African leaders navigate loans and partnerships while assessing security training from China. The conversation sheds light on the complexities of China-Africa relations, emphasizing the reciprocal nature of security support and diplomatic backing. It's a riveting exploration of how these dynamics shape Africa's future.

Who shapes Africa’s story? Zambia’s media offers a rare window into how local voices frame global powers like China, the U.S., Japan, and South Africa. From debates on debt and development to questions of governance and influence, the coverage reveals both common threads and striking differences with other regions. Natsuko Imai Kanayama, a researcher at the JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development in Tokyo joins Eric & Géraud to share insights from her comparative study, highlighting how Zambian media narratives can challenge global assumptions about power, partnerships, and agency. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @eric_olander | @christiangeraud Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChinaAfricaProject YouTube: www.youtube.com/@ChinaGlobalSouth Now on Bluesky! Follow CGSP at @chinagsproject.bsky.social FOLLOW CGSP IN FRENCH AND ARABIC: Français: www.projetafriquechine.com | @AfrikChine Arabic: عربي: www.alsin-alsharqalawsat.com | @SinSharqAwsat 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