Chinese scramble for Africa bad for a fast developing continent

The Chinese have invaded Africa in large numbers. But it’s not all one-way traffic. Africans are finding their way to China too. However, the trade-off is asymmetrical.

As the dominant party, the Chinese have the upper hand. Their entry into Africa is largely economic and geostrategic. They need to fuel their voracious economy.

Europe became a colonial empire — an imperial continent — to avoid economic, political, and social collapse at home. It’s China’s “turn to eat” 200 years later.

China has no choice but to exploit — with extreme prejudice — Africa’s untapped resources if Beijing is to avoid a political implosion. Which begs the question — are the Chinese good for Africa? Let’s slice and dice the Chinese scramble for Africa.

No one doubts the ingenuity of Chinese civilisation, or its enormous impact on the world. But methinks China is a giant sitting on a ledge. It’s true that China has the world’s second largest economy. It’s predicted that China may even soon overtake the US as the world’s largest economy.

But that will be a prize without value. Why? Because China’s 1.35 billion people have a per capita income of $7,000 with an economy of $9.4 trillion. Compare that to America’s 320 million people with a capita income of $53,000 in a $16 trillion economy. South Africa has a capita income of $6,400. What’s my point? China has a long way to become a developed country.

China is determined to become a developed country and snatch the mantle of global leadership from the US. First, China must find enough resources to turbo-charge its economy. It’s true some of that will have to be internal in the form of renewable energy like solar and wind.

But China knows that’s not enough. That’s why the dragon has turned to Africa. To China, Africa is the new Wild West. African states — and their leaders — might be China’s salvation. This may be true for the short term, but not long term. The reason is that most African leaders are either naïve, corruptible, or both. The Chinese know this, and have moved in for the kill.

Toothy Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, have embarked on a no-holds barred charm offensive in Africa. They come appearing to bear gifts. They promise technology, investment, and infrastructure. And they say they do so without meddling, or interference in the internal affairs of African states. That’s Chinese for “we don’t mind corruption” and “we don’t care about human rights.” In fact, kickbacks are encouraged.

Kenya has been ensnared in some questionable Chinese deals — the opaque Standard Gauge Railway and the shady Mui Basin coal mine agreements in Kitui.

Methinks Kenya has been left with the short end of the stick on these projects. Look elsewhere in Africa and you see a pattern that speaks of unconscionable exploitation.

Second, China knows it must avoid political collapse at home. On the one hand, the Communist Party and the old men who rule China want to keep their political monopoly. On the other, a growing middle class is seeking more political freedoms.

These two forces are inexorably moving towards a titanic clash. China censors the Internet, but how long can that continue without an open revolt? The party of Mao Tse Tung must release the valve somewhere, or risk a cataclysm. For now, the party believes that growing the economy and spreading the wealth can keep the lid on. That’s why Africa’s resources are a key part of China’s internal political calculus. But I doubt it will suffice.

Third, Africa is on the verge of an economic breakthrough. It’s ready to leap into the pages of prosperity. Asia was the first to find this key and turn it on. Then along came Latin America — led by Brazil and Chile. Now it’s Africa’s turn. But I am afraid the Chinese may steal Africa’s key to the economic miracle.

That’s because China wants Africa to copy its corrupt and dictatorial ways — and then hand over its wealth to Beijing. That’s a recipe for disaster. Africa can’t slow down its democratic march and reinstitute rampant corruption of the last several decades, and then hope to leap forward. Africa should trade with China, but on its own terms.

Finally, let’s stipulate that Africa is resurgent. It’s walking with bravado and braggadocio. But much of Africa’s testosterone is directed against the West. It’s anti-imperial backlash. But it’s paradoxical because it’s both right and wrong. It’s right because the West has for decades raped Africa.

It’s hypocritical because African states don’t mind being violated by the West so long as the West doesn’t “lecture” them about democracy and human rights. It’s wrong because you don’t swap one violator for another. Africa shouldn’t be for anybody’s taking.