As part of the AIA colloquium, Abiodun Egbetokun gave insights into his research project, in which he is looking at Chinese direct investment in Africa. This research is not only interesting from an economic perspective, but also provides exciting political science and general cultural insights. After all, the approach deliberately chosen by China to place as few conditions as possible on investments is also part of a larger geostrategic confrontation with the states of the West, which is shaping and will continue to shape global politics in the 21st century.

Egbetokun is particularly concerned with developing strategies and solutions for how Chinese and Western involvement in investment in Africa can be better dovetailed. The aim is to build a cooperative rather than a confrontational relationship. In addition to specific aspects such as the relationship between Chinese and American investments and the political and economic mechanisms in the background, the fellows controversially debated the wider context of principle versus pragmatism and the associated tensions.

“China’s investments in Africa should not be treated as a simple phenomenon. It is highly nuanced. On one hand, Chinese investments have not just surged; they have indeed provided some missing inputs into development, notably in the form of significant infrastructure development and the creation of approximately 18,000 jobs annually over the last decade. On the other hand, these investments are often accompanied by concerns such as unsustainable debt and limited skill transfer to local workers. While local labour is used in construction projects, it is typically seasonal, leaving behind minimal long-term benefits for African economies. Striking a balance between these dynamics should be a top priority for African leaders and their international partners.” stated Egbetokun during his session.