China's Presence in Africa: Perspectives from the Continent
Tuesday, 21 June 2021
12pm Washington D.C.
5pm London / Kinshasa
6pm Paris / Cape Town / Cairo
7pm NairobiToday, Africa owes over $150 billion to China – not far off from what it collectively owes the International Monetary Fund.
There have been increasingly heated debates around the role and influence of China on the continent. China is Africa’s largest trade partner and it recently established its first mission to the African Union. China offers loans, grants and development deals without the anti-corruption and human rights strings favored by the U.S. and Europe. Due to this ‘non-interference policy,’ there is a belief that China’s economic might is too often used to roll back democratic progress. Studies have shown that when Chinese aid to an African country increases, state violence rises too.
While a debate is taking place across the African continent – in the media, in coffee shops, and among elite circles – the topic continues to be dominated by voices from the global north. Is this merely bickering among superpowers -- one that Africa has been unwillingly dragged into?
Our June 21 program will seek to provide balance to this discussion, by elevating African perspectives and expertise that are often missing. Ahead of the show, we are working with Ghanaian artist, Bright Ackwerh, to present work that depicts the China-Africa relationship from his perspective. We will additionally solicit audience reactions and views on the piece as we build up to our June 21 show. You won’t want to miss this interactive experience!