Africa powers in the shadow of the economy: a call for added value

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Entdecken Sie in unserem Artikel die geopolitischen Spannungen zwischen China, den USA und der EU im Hinblick auf Afrika. Trotz des großen Interesses an Rohstoffen bleibt die Entwicklung von Wertschöpfungsketten für afrikanische Länder vernachlässigt. Erfahren Sie, wie politische Faktoren und marktstrategische Entscheidungen die Chancen für Kleinbauern beeinträchtigen und welche Rolle China dabei spielt. Schaffen wir Perspektiven für Afrikas nachhaltige Entwicklung!
In our article, discover the geopolitical tensions between China, the USA and the EU with regard to Africa. Despite the great interest in raw materials, the development of value chains for African countries remains neglected. Find out how political factors and market strategic decisions affect the opportunities for small farmers and what role China plays. We create perspectives for Africa's sustainable development! (Symbolbild/MB)

China-Africa forum in Beijing: Investments and their effects on African development

The forum for China Africa Cooperation (FOAC), which takes place on the [Date] in Beijing, once again sparked the discussion about economic relationships between China and the African continent. This event comes at a time when the global interest in Africa increases as a source of raw materials, while at the same time the possibility of the independent industrial development of the continent often remains in shade.

The focus of this conference is on the announced investments, which are largely inserted into the existing infrastructure projects as part of the new Silk Road. This strategy aims to transport African raw materials such as lithium, cobalt and manganese to China more efficiently. The question remains whether these investments also bring long -term benefits for African countries and their population.

The economic dynamics of Africa are largely shaped by its 54 states and in particular by the 100 million small farmer families. These small farmers have enormous potential, which, however, often remains unused. The current commercial structure mainly favors large, export-oriented agrobusiness companies, while the small farmers-on which a majority of the African population is dependent-are disadvantaged in the competition.

The governments both Africa and the western countries are responsible for rethinking the current market conditions and creating a fairer trade order. A rethink could lead to processed products from Africa better paid in global markets - be it textiles instead of unprocessed cotton or chocolate instead of cocoa beans. This would not only strengthen the local economy, but also create jobs and improve people's living conditions.

The importance of the discussion about value chains is evident: Instead of only considering the African continent as a raw material supplier, the goal should be an integrated development that also includes the local population and not only serves the export interests of other countries. A sustainable approach could not only affect Chinese investments, but also read a paradigm shift in global trade.

The results of the Forum for China Africa Cooperation will be crucial for whether these perspectives can realize in the future. It remains to be seen whether China and the other global actors are willing to rethink their approach and to recognize the advantages of an equal trade based on the needs and potential of Africa. In this sense, the forum is more than just an economic event - it could lay the foundation for a new era of cooperation.