African Perspectives on China in Africa

Almost every African country today bears the stamp of China’s emerging presence, from oil fields in the east and west, to farms in the south, to mines in the centre of the continent. China has cultural agreements with 42 African countries. US$30 billion will change between Chinese and African hands this year. And China’s trade and economic assistance to Africa has grown by geometric proportions.

In this week’s issue of Pambazuka News, we bring you an audio broadcast produced to coincide with the launch of a an unprecedented text: African Perspectives on China in Africa, a collection of essays from the prize-winning weekly electronic newsletter Pambazuka News, published by Fahamu.

The contributors to the book - including Horace Campbell, Michelle Chan-Fishel, Daniel Large, Stephen Marks and Kwesi Kwaa Prah - present social, historical and cross-continental perspectives on Chinese involvement in Africa. They argue that although there is no single view about China in Africa within or outside the continent, Africans must organise their side of the story: together, in their own interests, and in the interest of social justice for all.

The book was launched at the World Social Forum in Nairobi, Kenya in January 2007. During the launch, Robtel Pailey of Pambauzka News spoke to participants about the book, and about China’s contemporary role on the continent. She explores China’s historical legacy in Africa, cultural exchange, economic assistance, trade, mining, oil and questions of human rights, notably in Sudan. The interviews are available for downloading, listening on the web, or for access as a podcast at:

For further information or enquiries about the book, please visit the Fahamu books page (http://www.fahamu.org/pzbook.php) or email [email][email protected]