New book on China and Africa relations
Mr. Francis Stevens George, working for NABA member BR!GHT Products, has written the book “China and Africa Love Affair.” This is a short historical account of the relationship between China and Africa. The “Love Affair” is a strong enthusiasm which has seen an interest and eagerness by the Chinese to engage in Africa.– China and Africa is a current hot topic. Chinese engagement in Africa has raised various concerns. Although these concerns are real, it seems, much of the debate and often criticism does not take into adequate (sometimes no) account of the historical relations between Africa and China. Indeed one would be forgiven to think that China and Africa started their relations in the 1990s. But this is not the case. Already back in 1957, for example, the Chinese were making large cotton purchases from Egypt. The current debate about Aid also reveals a lack of historical perspective. China has been providing aid to African countries since 1959, says Francis Stevens George.He thinks Norwegian companies doing business in Africa will not escape either working or competing with the Chinese. Even at a Governmental level, competing or working with the Chinese is now a reality.– How businesses and Government approach this cooperation or competition, would in part depend on their knowledge of the history between the Africans and the Chinese. In an approach that ignores the history between the two will most likely result in undesired outcomes, he says.– The main theme of my book is the following; the history between Africa and China points to a non-exploitative relationship. There is sufficient evidence to show that China’s engagement in Africa has provided tangible economic results. Africans are not giving away too much to the Chinese. The practice of paying for infrastructure projects through raw materials is nothing new. The Japanese did it with the Chinese, Stevens George says.The objectives of the book are to provide an historical context through which the current debate can take place. A further objective is to have Africans be aware of the history of the relations between Africa and China. Understanding the history of Sino-African relationships is critical to what Africans can gain from this relationship. It is also critical to how Africans respond to the Chinese.– Given the gradual decline of old colonial powers and the more recent reorganization of geopolitics that has been necessitated by the unraveling of neo-liberal globalization and economic orthodoxy, to many Africans, young and old alike, China is sometimes seen as having come to Africa only recently. Similarly, many people in Europe and the Americas see Chinese activities as part of the recent rise of China as a global economic power. The majority know little of the long ties that have existed between China and Africa; hence the reason for my book, he says.He first wrote about this topic 25 years ago at a time when China and Africa was not a topic. His interest was based on his childhood encounter with the Chinese in his native country of Sierra Leone.– I became curious as to what the Chinese were doing there. Why they, unlike the Europeans, were mixing with the local workers. Why were they building roads, hospitals and bridges? I wanted to learn more. I also wanted to see what will become of this relationship, he says.– Already then, I had predicted that the relationship between China and Africa would become stronger. This was based a correct analysis of China’s determination to become the world’s largest economy. I also correctly analyzed, based on the researched, that Africa’s natural resources would be critical and valuable to China as they strive to become a global economic power house.– I tell a story starting from the 1960s, and ending in the present. I am not a Sino-African expert. I have written a simple book, which I hope the reader will find interesting.China is well on her way to becoming the largest economy in the world. That she puts a premium on her relationship with Africa is something we must embrace, says Francis Stevens George.Ebook: http://www.lulu.com/shop/francis-stevens-george/china-and-africa-love-affair/ebook/product-21417491.htmlPaperback: http://www.lulu.com/shop/francis-stevens-george/china-and-africa-love-affair/paperback/product-21423919.htmlAmazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I0X16OS and https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00I0X16OSPaper back: https://www.createspace.com/4617948
Francis Stevens George was born in 1965 in Freetown, Sierra Leone. He was raised by his grandparents. His grandfather, Dr. Siaka Stevens, served his country in over 40 years, first as Mayor of Freetown, Prime Minister and culminating as President from 1972-1985.In 2009, as result of what he felt was a lack of historical perspective on the increasing and topical debate of China’s role in Africa; he decided to rewrite the original paper as a short book.Francis lives in Oslo, Norway.