ASSESSING AFRICA’S TRANSFORMATION THROUGH PARTNERSHIP: THE CASE OF CHINA-AFRICA PARTNERSHIP

Abstract

The continent indeed is endowed with abundant natural and human resources, natural habitats, magnificent landscapes and predominantly young population. Despite these endowments, Africa is usually touted as a continent that is rich but yet its people are poor. It has become imperative to change this narrative. It is perceived that one approach that can contribute to changing this grim reality is through engaging the rest of the world in constructive partnerships. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of China-Africa partnership on the enhancement of Africa’s transformation. Specifically, to examine China’s contributions towards Africa’s industrialization and human capital development, and identify the challenges of such partnership. To attain this objective, the study employed descriptive research design with both primary and secondary sources of data while in some cases combining both quantitative and qualitative, approaches. It is found that China has contributed to Africa’s efforts including in the areas of industrialization, human capital development, peace and stability. However, in spite of its importance, the China-Africa partnership, like other partnerships, have yet to deliver the desired impact. Lack of collaboration and coordination between the various organs of the African Union (AU /AUC), RECs), RMs, and Member States, with respect to engaging partners, the prevalence of violent conflicts and instability in various parts of the continent and low level of economic diversification are found to be challenges to Africa’s transformation. This then suggests that Africa needs to aggressively pursue mutually beneficial strategic partnerships –one in which for example, Africa accrues desired benefits as well as China-if the continent’s vision for a prosperous and transformed Africa is to be achieved. While international solidarity and partnership have been and remain critical to Africa’s development, much more needs to be done to accrue the desired benefits that will spur the continent’s transformation.