The China in Africa Podcast

Anika Patel, a China analyst at Carbon Brief, shares insights from COP30 where China's role looms large amidst a U.S. absence. She discusses how China portrayed itself as a norm-setter in South Africa, yet shied away from being labeled a 'climate leader' in Brazil. Key issues include climate finance dynamics, tensions around trade measures, and the dilemma faced by developing nations weighing affordable Chinese green tech against local industrial goals. Patel highlights China's strategic positioning and influence in shaping the future of global climate politics.

Innocent Batsani-Ncube, an associate professor of African politics and author of "China and African Parliaments," explores China's extensive construction of government buildings in Africa. He discusses how these projects serve as tools for subtle power, influencing African elites while being framed as generous gifts. The conversation dives into the political implications of foreign-funded parliaments, sovereignty concerns, and the unique dynamics of China's approach compared to other countries. Case studies from Lesotho, Malawi, and Zimbabwe illustrate the complexities behind these architectural investments.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Rousselle, a researcher focused on illicit arms trade, highlights the alarming shift of Chinese organized crime into Africa. He reveals how interconnected Chinese networks are fueling illicit crypto mining, illegal wildlife trafficking, and arms sales in regions plagued by weak governance. Adam also delves into a significant Congolese court case involving gold smuggling and the role of local corruption. He emphasizes the need for better regulatory enforcement to combat these illicit economies and disrupt harmful trade flows.

Dan Wang, a technology and China analyst and author of 'Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future,' discusses China's unique 'engineering state' model. He explains how China rapidly transformed from rural poverty to an industrial powerhouse, focusing on massive infrastructure investments and strategic planning. Dan debates whether this model can be replicated in the Global South and explores the challenges of forced technology transfers. He also examines the benefits of process knowledge, while warning that the engineering state may face limitations.

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.