Is China Africa’s solution to prosperity? Join the debate in Utrecht, 29 May!

On Thursday 29th of May, IKV Pax Christi and NiZA organize a public debate on the role of China in resource exploitation in Africa. The debate will take place in Utrecht, The Netherlands.

The Chinese investments in Africa are enormous. In DR Congo alone, China has promised a five billion USD loan to build roads, railways, hospitals and universities. In exchange, the Chinese get free access to minerals like copper and cobalt, which they use in their production of rechargeable batteries for mobile telephones, MP3-players and laptops. Also, oil is a main driver of the China’s interest. Its oil imports multiplied almost five-fold between 1995 and 2005, making China the second largest oil importer world wide.

China offers Africa a new approach. Different than the west, China interferes less with national policies. Chinese investors are warmly welcomed by the African leadership. At the same time critisism rises about the behavior of Chinese companies on the ground. Human rights are not a priority, if placed on the agenda at all.

The debate will focus on the impact of Chinese businesses in Africa. Through the cases of Sudan and DR Congo, guests from the region and international experts will give their views on the presence of Chinese companies in these countries. Furthermore we will discuss the Chinese role and interests in the extractive industries and how this impacts the African society.