The China in Africa Podcast

Jérôme Nima, CGSP Africa editor and expert in energy transition, dives into Kenya's burgeoning ties with China. He discusses Kenyan President Ruto's upcoming state visit to Beijing, aimed at finalizing crucial funding for the Standard Gauge Railway extension to Uganda. The conversation also highlights the ongoing cobalt production in the DRC despite export bans and examines the U.S. military's concerns over China's expanding influence in Africa. Nima offers insights into the balancing act of geopolitical interests shaping the continent's future.

Agatha Kratz, a Partner at Rhodium Group specializing in corporate advisory and Chinese trade policy, and Juliana Bouchot, a Senior Analyst with expertise in Chinese supply chains, dive deep into the complexities of global supply chains amidst rising U.S.-China tensions. They discuss the impact of tariffs on inflation and consumer behavior while exploring whether countries like Vietnam and India can effectively absorb China's manufacturing output. The conversation reveals how traditional supply chains are evolving and the potential shifts in the international trade landscape.

U.S. President Donald Trump insisted on Monday that he will not back down from his massive tariff campaign that he launched last week and even promised to impose even higher duties on Chinese goods in response to Beijing's 34% tariff retaliation on U.S. imported goods. Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton University and author of the High Capacity Substack, joins Eric & Cobus to discuss the impact of the escalating world trade war on developing countries and how China is responding by shifting more manufacturing to the Global South. Show Notes: High Capacity: Beijing braces for impact: What Trump 2.0 might mean for US-China relations by Kyle Chan High Capacity: China is trying to reshape global supply chains by Kyle Chan High Capacity: Chinese semiconductors and alternative paths to innovation by Kyle Chan JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @kyleichan | @eric_olander | @stadenesque 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

In this insightful discussion, Veda Vaidyanathan, an expert on China-Africa relations, sheds light on India's ambitious critical minerals strategy aimed at fostering green energy. India seeks to establish partnerships with African nations, contrasting its approach with China's dominance in the sector. Vaidyanathan emphasizes the importance of local agency, skill development, and overcoming challenges posed by established players like China. The conversation also touches on India's rising role in cobalt and copper exploration while navigating the complex landscape of global geopolitics.

Khang Vu, a visiting scholar at Boston College and expert on Vietnamese politics, discusses contrasting strategies of Vietnam and the Philippines in dealing with China’s territorial claims. While the Philippines seeks U.S. support, Vietnam opts for a solo approach, even expanding its presence in the South China Sea through island reclamation. Vu highlights how these tactics reflect broader lessons on managing great power rivalries, emphasizing the complexities smaller nations face in navigating geopolitical dynamics.

In a deep dive into South Africa's trade landscape, Marvellous Ngundu, a research consultant at the Institute for Security Studies, reveals the stark realities behind the booming trade with China. Although trade soared past $52 billion, South Africa's trade deficit with China has ballooned to nearly $10 billion. Ngundu discusses the critical need for strategic policy changes to balance this relationship, emphasizing the importance of enhancing local production and maximizing Africa's resource value amid the growing influence of Chinese imports.

A catastrophic acid spill from a Chinese copper mine has devastated Zambia's Kafue River, threatening public health and local ecosystems. The discussion covers the political fallout and the essential role of accountability for mining companies. Additionally, a $1.4 billion Chinese investment to refurbish the TAZARA railway is analyzed, exploring its implications for regional logistics and U.S.-China relations. The complexities of cobalt and mineral resource management in the Democratic Republic of Congo also highlight the broader geopolitical chess game at play.

Gyude Moore, an expert on China-Africa relations and Liberia’s former minister of public works, shares insights on navigating a post-American world. He discusses the diminishing influence of the U.S. in Africa and emphasizes the rise of China. Moore highlights the urgent need for African countries to enhance manufacturing and trade capabilities, advocating for diversified global partnerships. He also addresses the challenges of USAID withdrawal on health systems, urging collaboration with entities like BRICS to confront urgent healthcare needs.

Marisa Lourenço, a political analyst based in Johannesburg, dives into the geopolitical tug-of-war over Southern Africa's resources. She discusses the strategic significance of the Lobito Corridor project and the rivalry between the U.S. and China. The podcast also highlights Zambia and the DRC's complex mineral agreements, detailing local refining initiatives and security concerns. Additionally, Lourenço examines South Africa's diplomatic relations, the influence of technology like Starlink, and the broader impact of foreign interests on African conflicts.

In recent years, the relationship between Chinese mining companies and local communities in many African countries has been very contentious over allegations of environmental damage, a lack of transparency, and tensions with local civil society groups. In Zimbabwe, a new initiative—the China-Africa Dialogue on Green Minerals for Responsible Investment (CADRI)—is taking a different approach. Rather than relying on confrontation, CADRI brings together civil society organizations, policymakers, and Chinese companies to push for greater accountability, transparency, and sustainable mining practices. This week, CGSP Africa Editor Géraud Neema speaks with Obert Bore, business and human rights program lead at the Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA), to discuss why this initiative appears to be working and what other African countries can learn from Zimbabwe's experience. JOIN THE DISCUSSION: X: @ChinaGSProject | @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