A Letter To China: For An Africa Beyond Aid | Anthony Awasom

Anthony Awasom
Sep 7, 2018 · 2 min read

Dear Xi,

Since the year 2000, FOCAC has had tremendous impact on the economies of African nations with a trade value currently at $170 Billion, far exceeding Western trade with Africa. Chinese investments in East Africa alone has become a center of attraction for many.

Thus, Africa has undoubtedly benefited from these bilateral relations with modern infrastructures across all sectors — from health to telecommunications — from Algeria to Zimbabwe.

However, there are some key concerns to be looked into in order to deepen and broaden these existing relations — sustainability and durability!

While we do welcome, appreciate and take note of these giant projects across Africa, there is a school of thought who opine that it is always better to teach a man how to fish than to be giving him fishes all the time — independence over dependence. Moving Africa forward, not only is a responsibility we all share, but one for which we must all help lead, in whatever capacities we can.

It makes absolutely no sense to most Africans that China offers fat loans to our governments, for oftentimes preconceived projects then turn around and execute these projects, with Chinese wholly (National) owned firms, with Chinese personnel at the expense of our governments! How is the technical know-how transferred? Who maintains these projects upon completion?

I sincerely think engaging the private sector, together with the civil society can help improving the existing relations.

Besides, I see poverty as a cultural problem and it appears Christianity is a major part of it. Perhaps adding Buddhism to the equation helps balance it.

Sincerely Yours,

Afro-Optimist.

About the author: Anthony Awasom is a self-taught and self-motivated, purpose driven goal achiever with in-depth marketing management and business development background that produces business results and delight stakeholders, and an advocate of economically viable projects for Africa that are renewable, regenerative, responsible, sustainable, fair and resilient.

Twitter: @anthonyawasom

@anthonyawasom

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