Does China Hold the Key to Africa's Industrialization

by Thomas Howland⁽³⁾

Now days the Colleges and Universities tell us the United States won the cold war. That may be true but, one effect of exporting Capitalism to the rest of the world is that now China has an economy that actually works. Our capitalistic economy has contributed to China's increased standard of living--something the USA has been working for all along by giving China most favored nation status. The hope was that the increased standard of living, instead of bullets or sanctions, would cause China's citizens to become uncomfortable with human rights violations. Chinese citizens would then address human rights.

China's recent industrialization, via their turning to a capitalistic economy, means its citizens are beginning to desire higher end products; they've learned to appreciate finer foods; they dress better than they did thirty years ago; and their demand for oil has increased. The basic problem is that with twenty two percent of the world's population and only seven percent of the world's arable land China's industrialization is not sustainable. In order to meet their needs China has turned to the African continent in order to secure the necessary natural resources.

For Africa, the influx of Chinese capital is a double edged sword. The Chinese capital will go a long way towards ending Africa's problems, that is, hunger, disease, its infrastructure, and educating its population. On the surface it looks like Africa will gain from the arrangement. However, China is not looking out for Africa's best interest. China is looking out for China's best interest. China intends to send the money back home--to China--with Africa getting only a small stipend. The African people should exercise caution.

China's goal is to grow crops and raise cattle in order to feed its own people. To that end China offers loans; builds stadiums; condominiums; and relationships with African leaders in order to secure needed land from Africa. I wonder if this is not akin to buying Manhattan Island for a few beads? Obviously, the African people will grow and develop as a result of the African-Chinese trading arrangement, but China is taking large parcels of land that will ultimately no longer produce for the African people. Instead, the land will be used to produce for the Chinese people.

In the long run, along with their growth and development, will the African people need the land they've promised the Chinese in order to produce for themselves? In addition, Africa has begun selling oil to the Chinese so that China can support its industrialization. Once the African People have solved their immediate problems e.g., hunger and disease they'll begin to industrialize as well. However, without planning and forethought will they have sold the oil needed for their own industrialization to the Chinese? One could say Africa's immediate concerns like hunger and disease take precedence over its future concerns, or its industrialization--so full steam ahead. However, I believe moderation and not full steam ahead is the key for Africa's future. I believe the African people should sell enough oil and let the Chinese develop enough land to satisfy their immediate needs, but not so much that they deplete their natural resources to the point there are none left when their own industrialization begins.

Money is a powerful motivator, especially when it can be used to solve your country's problems. My fear, however, is that many of the African Dictators may fall to prey to the lure of money, for less than honorable reasons, thus hindering future African industrialization.

Article submitted Sunday, September 13, 2009 & read 276 times.

Name: Thomas Christopher Howland, (Chris)

Birthdate: November 19,1955

Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration with Major Concentration in Management 2009, Magna Cum Laude

Occupation: Public Utilities. Currently holds a Texas Class "A" Water, and Class "B" Wastewater Certificate.

Chris is an amateur writer. Writing is something the author learned to appreciate in college, and has continued as a hobby. Mr. Howland has been employed in the Public Utility field for twenty three years. He uses his experience in the field to write about topics that may be of interest to others.

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» left by Marcia Calhoun Forecki (2 years 87 days ago.)

Very interesting article. I hope we do not remain "asleep at the wheel" while Africa is plundered yet again.
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