Abstract
China-Africa relations have become an increasingly important subject in scholarly work as well as for policymakers. While dating back to the colonial era, these relations have evolved at an astounding pace in the new millennium. As a result, various analyses and narratives have emerged about China-Africa relations. This book examines China’s engagement with Africa with specific reference to investment, and it does so by utilising a political economy perspective. This opening chapter demonstrates that China’s investment in Africa is largely driven by the Chinese state and that it targets a diverse array of sectors, including land, agriculture, mining and infrastructure. Broad arguments exist about the character and effects of Chinese investments in Africa, with some endorsing these investments and others highly critical. In detailing key similarities and differences between Western and Chinese investments in Africa, this chapter shows that sweeping claims about China’s investments are problematic as they are diverse and variegated, including across both nations and sectors.
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Mazwi, F., Mudimu, G.T., Helliker, K. (2024). Framing the Complexities of Chinese Investments in Africa. In: Mazwi, F., Mudimu, G.T., Helliker, K. (eds) Chinese Investment in Africa . Economic Geography. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-52815-6_1
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