A major reason for the quick spread of the coronavirus is the lack of orchestration in the international effort to contain it. Currently, protection and monitoring measures are decided by authorities in different countries, whose standards and levels of implementation vary.
Historically, China has forged its own distinctive foreign aid practices. In March 2018, Beijing established the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) to integrate and streamline its development aid programs.
Although its initial focus will be Asia, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank may eventually broaden its scope to provide development assistance to countries in Africa as well.
Chinese investment and the lessons of the country’s development are beneficial to African economies seeking to expand their global profile.
China is facilitating economic development in African countries not only through government-directed investment but also through the market forces unleashed by Chinese value chains.
Asian investors present both a challenge to and an opportunity for local industries, and southeast African countries need a clear vision and tailored policies to make the most of the opportunities.
While Myanmar’s democratic reforms may appear to signal a move toward the West, their success will in fact depend on Chinese economic engagement—a point that democracy activists should not overlook.
China’s rapid development can offer inspiration and direction for Africans, but Africa’s leaders must translate the lessons of China’s experience into a path that fits local contexts.