Can Africa balance opportunities and risks of its China partnership?

This seminar will explore the evolving dynamics of China-Africa relations against a backdrop of geopolitical tension.

Date: 2024-10-04

Time: 12:00 to 14:00

Venue: ISS Pretoria, seminar room and online via Zoom

The recent FOCAC summit showed just how important Africa still is in China’s global strategy. Despite its economic contractions, China pledged US$50.7 billion to commitments ranging from security cooperation and job creation to increasing Chinese private sector participation in African economies.

China is positioning itself as a crucial partner to Africa on numerous fronts. Can Africa exploit the opportunities this presents while mitigating risks? This hybrid seminar will explore the next chapter of China-Africa relations and its implications for the continent’s long-term goals.

Moderator: Jana de Kluiver, Research Officer, Institute for Security Studies (ISS)

Opening remarks: Dr Fonteh Akum, Executive Director, ISS

Panelists:

• Dr Cobus Van Staden, Co-founder and Managing Editor, China Global South Project
• Dr Mandira Bagwandeen, Lecturer, Stellenbosch University
• Prof David Monyae, Director, Centre for Africa-China Studies, University of Johannesburg