Afrika und die neuen asiatischen Wirtschaftsmächte

Entwicklungspartnerschaft oder Balgerei um Rohstoffe?

Abstract

The increasing role of the emerging economies of Asia, particularly of China, has changed the economic and political environment of Africa. Data on trade, foreign investments and development cooperation indicate that Africa’s dependence on industrialised countries is decreasing. African countries prefer partnerships with China and India because these do not come with policy conditions imposing the cures of the Washington Consensus. At the same time, South-South Cooperation is a mechanism for increasing Africa’s bargaining power in global affairs. However, the current pattern of economic relations with Asia replicates the capitalist character of Africa’s trade with Europe, in which Africa exports commodities and imports manufactures. The regional diversification of economic relations and the increasing international importance of Asia open more policy space for African governments. But it depends on the capacity of African governments and civil society organisations to transfer these opportunities into development progress.