Understanding the Drivers of China’s Economic Engagement in Africa

Abstract

China‟s growing economic engagement in Africa, including trade, investment and aid, has captured the world‟s attention and has given rise to a heated debate and a large literature about this phenomenon. This paper seeks to shed light on the current debate about the nature of this relationship and impacts for both sides by looking into a more fundamental question: what are the driving forces behind this economic relationship? It looks to develop a better-rounded understanding of the multitude and complexity behind this economic relationship by examining the driving forces from three aspects: economic, institutional and political. It concludes that economic incentives, domestic and international institutions and political considerations have all played a role in contributing to the growing economic relationship between China and Africa in the period since the 1990s.