Sino-Africa Relations And Its Implications For Economic Development(1978-): Case Study Of Nigeria And Ghana

The relationship between China and Africa dates back to 2nd century BC when Zhang Qian of the Han dynasty opened up the Silk Road and gold and silk were transported as far as to the south coast of the Mediterranean (Wuan: 2006). Some scholars have however given the impression that Sino- Africa relations commenced in the colonial era of Africa, and that the relationship was strengthened at the commencement of China's economic reforms.Prior to economic reforms, China's engagement with Africa was to help promote its ideologies by supporting anti-colonial groups. As more African countries gained independence, they in return provided China with much of the support it needed on the global stage.The Essence of the topic chosen is to show just how much Sino-Africa ties have helped Africa to develop its economy. Has China really provided an alternative to the West for Africa? This work would agree that it has and point at various instances where this is agreeable. This work would also raise the fears of various scholars (mostly Africans) in the relations between China and the continent.Using the concept of soft power, this thesis would explain how China has been able to warm its way into Africa in spite of the negative reactions the relationship has generated from the West. It would also use domestic politics to explain how Africa has reciprocated to China's overtures. It is however essential to note that domestic politics cannot be discussed in detail because the politics of every country on the continent differ. The thesis would therefore detail the application of domestic politics while discussing the countries of case studies.In the case study of Nigeria, the background of Sino-Nigeria relations will be examined. Nigeria's military background would be properly articulated because it would help to create an understanding as to why domestic politics made a difference in the relations between the two countries. It would also examine how Sino- Nigeria ties have helped to boost the development of Small & Medium Scale Enterprises (SME's) especially in the non-oil sector.This thesis would also study Sino- Ghana ties and how they have helped to assist Ghana's economic development especially in recent times. It would examine the background of the relationship and how the military era in Ghana resulted in thawing of bilateral ties. The development of SME's would also be discussed in the case of Ghana.While Nigeria and Ghana have various similarities, this paper would also point out the differences in the approach of China to both countries. This is because while Nigeria boasts of oil and natural resources (which China also engages in with Nigeria) Ghana is mainly an agricultural hub, although it has gold in commercial quantity.It is essential to note that while democracy matters in Nigeria/Ghana relationship with China, it does not matter in Sino-Africa relations because China's only demand in relations with other countries is the recognition of the'One China'policy. Significance of the ThesisThe significance of this research is to focus on the extent to which the Africa's relationship with China has affected Africa's economic growth. It provides a theoretical explanation for the relationship between China and Africa and also explains why the two countries being studied have established stronger ties with China for economic development.It also gives an insight into how the small and medium scale sector of both countries are benefiting from the relationship. Research QuestionsWhile Sino- Africa relationship has been explored by many scholars, the relationship with individual African countries has not been explored so much. Perhaps it is because China itself deals with the continent as a whole entity and not as individual countries. Two countries; Nigeria and Ghana are being examined as cases to determine how much China has contributed to Africa's development.How has domestic politics of Nigeria and Ghana affected their relations with China?To what extent has this relationship contributed to the development of SME's? Research MethodologyVarious sources were consulted while conducting this research project. Primary sources were books that have been published on Sino- Africa relationships. Other sources were articles by scholars and papers that have been presented by scholars, economists and others which are related to the subject. The internet was extremely useful in providing websites that supplied the data used as evidences in case studies and analysis. Newspaper articles and features were also quoted in writing this thesis.