China’s Resource for Infrastructure (RFI) Deals in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Critical Analysis of Nigeria and Angola
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2022-12
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Lead City University
Abstract
The aim of this thesis is to determine whether the relationship between China and sub-Saharan African nation-states, specifically Nigeria and Angola, is exploitative or collaborative through a thorough analysis of the key characteristics of resource for infrastructure deals. Resource for infrastructure (RFI) deals are agreements in which natural resources are used to pay back debts for infrastructure development. China needs of resources and markets for her ever growing economy and Africa needs of infrastructure to jump start the economy explains the rationale behind the RFI agreements between the two partners. For the fact that Africa has a long history of helping immigrants with their worldwide aspirations in the past, just as Westerners came to Africa in search of work as missionaries, businessmen, and infrastructure builders. They promised to help the continent's people escape poverty and place it on the globalization map, but all they managed to do was plunder Africa's wealth, take over one nation after another, and leave its people in terrible poverty. As a result of China's recent infrastructure investment projects on the continent, many people are concerned that this may turn out to be the case once more. Relying on qualitative analysis, the thesis adopts Complex Interdependence theory to interrogate the on-going vibrant China-Africa relations. Interdependence, mostly simply defined, means mutual dependence. Although the relationship is asymmetrical for now, in favour of China, in the long run however, it is assume that infrastructure acquired through the partnership would lead to economic development for Africa. The findings of the study reveals that China-Africa engagements through RFI is of mutual benefits and collaboration, as against the general held notion of exploitation of Africa by China. The study recommended, among others strong institutional capacity, transparency and accountability on the part of African states and leadership.
Keywords: China-Africa Relations, Development, Interdependence, Resource for Infrastructure (RFI), Westerners
Word Count: 295
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Kate Turabian