The prospect of economic competition between China and others in Africa

Mehr News Agency, Intergroup International: The continent of Africa has some of the richest mines and resources in the world. But this continent has endured the scourge of colonialism and poverty for several centuries. But now the conditions have changed for many countries of the Black Continent and now it has become a field for the investment of big global competitors.

In the year 1402 AH, several economic actors of the world and the region started economic activities and investments in African countries. But among them, China is known as a country that works more for activities in Africa than other actors, and interestingly, there is no special sensitivity on the part of African societies to the presence of this economic giant. According to the official statistics of the Beijing authorities, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years, and the country’s total trade with all the countries of the African continent increased by 11% compared to last year and reached 282 billion dollars.

Wang Dong, deputy of the West Asian and African affairs department of the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, announced that China’s investment in 1402 increased by 4.4 percent compared to last year. has increased to more than 4 billion dollars. But this amount is only related to new projects in safe African countries and Chinese companies in Africa in the last few years and in total; They have done infrastructure projects worth more than 400 billion dollars. These companies have expanded their investment in this continent from traditional sectors such as agriculture and handicrafts, construction, mining and manufacturing, to emerging industries such as logistics, digital economy, clean energy, health, green development and finance.

China, the inspiration of development for African countries

Many African elites are sensitive about the activities of European contractors and especially French and American companies in Africa. But there is no such attitude in the case of China.

Erastus Mwencha, the former deputy of the African Union (AU) Commission in February 1402 and in an interview with Global Times (GT) about China’s diplomacy and the country’s cooperation with The African Union has announced that China has made several significant diplomatic achievements in the past year. This world power, in addition to effective activities to bring Saudi Arabia closer to Iran, has also taken many actions in other regions, including Africa, which is seen as a demonstration of China’s growing influence on the world stage. has been China launched a series of plans in 1402 aimed at supporting Africa’s industrialization and agricultural development strategies.

Muwencha further said about the importance of China’s models for African countries: China’s leadership in the field of industry and modern technology is an inspiration for African countries and paves the way for development. It shows us. China’s modernization showed that there is no absolute and uniform model for development, and each country should choose a path that suits its national conditions and realities. African countries can learn from China’s experience, but they need to discover their own ways of development based on their own history, culture and aspirations. Like China, African countries can increase their self-reliance and innovation and diversify their economy and market while promoting green and sustainable development and balancing their economic growth and environmental protection.

China is the largest trading partner, investor and financier of infrastructure in Africa. According to African experts, cooperation between China and the African Union will play an important role in global governance, as both sides share common interests and visions for a fairer international order. Because China and the African Union can support the principles of multilateralism at the global level and support the role of the United Nations and other international organizations. China and the European Union can also support the reform and improvement of the global governance system and the representation and voice of developing countries.

Arabia seeks wealth in Africa

Saudi Arabia is another country that continued to try to develop economic relations and invest in several African countries in 1402 AH. The interesting thing about Saudi Arabia is that it prefers the activity in the field of metal mines and in Zambia and Tanzania, it is focused on the two metals copper and nickel.

In recent years, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has shifted its focus from dependence on oil to developing hard rock mines and attracting foreign investment. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has also sought to secure mineral resources internationally and has increased its participation and invested in a number of mining projects in Africa.

Arabia has committed to invest 10 billion dollars in African mining projects over the next five years. This investment is part of the goals of the 2030 vision to diversify economic goals and foreign trade.

Arabia is increasingly looking to Africa as a source of vital minerals and metals, and its investments are likely to grow in the coming years. It is important to mention that some of these projects are still in the early stages of development and it is not clear whether all of them will be implemented or not.

However, Saudi Arabia’s growing interest in African mining is a sign of the continent’s growing importance as a rich source of mineral reserves. Of course, Saudi Arabia’s exports to African countries have also increased, and the chemical and polymer sector is at the top of the export value list and has reached 21 billion dollars in just one year.

The most exported products of Saudi Arabia to African countries in 1402 were polypropylene, polyethylene and chemical fertilizers, and Egypt, Algeria, and South Africa are at the top of the list of importing African countries. The products of Saudi Arabia are located, followed by Morocco, Sudan, Kenya and Nigeria, and the total number of African destinations of Saudi Arabia has reached 55 countries.

Riyadh authorities have announced that based on the agreements signed in 1402, participation in the African Food Fair, the Middle East and Africa Pack Process Fair in Egypt, the Manufacturing Fair and SAZ Africa in Kenya, and Jitex Africa Expo in Morocco are targeted.

Turkey, looking for economic and defense activity in Africa

In the past few years, Turkey has shown a great desire to develop its relations with Africa, and in 1402 AH, it has also shown its efforts to develop relations with the countries of the Black Continent. continued. Turkey has embassies in 50 African countries, and in addition to giving importance to the development of bilateral relations with African countries, it has also purposefully promoted relations with the African Union (AU).

One ​​of the major differences of Turkey’s way of working in Africa compared to China and others is that Ankara uses the security-defense influence and the geopolitical position of African countries. He made it his first priority and wherever he saw his resources in danger, he did not shy away from sending troops and military intervention. Militant forces under the command of Turkey were also present in Libya in 1402, and in addition, the Turkish military base in Somalia, as the country’s largest overseas military base, has undertaken the task of training Somali officers.

Turkey’s investment amounts in different African countries are not big figures. For example, in 1402, Turkish investment in South Africa reached 274 million dollars with a slight increase. But between 60 and 70 Turkish companies have set up business in South Africa, operating in various sectors, including textiles and food.

One ​​of Turkey’s biggest investors named “Archelik”, a manufacturer, has started working in South Africa and produces products for 16 other African countries. “Aselsan” as one of the state-owned Turkish defense industry companies also operates in sub-Saharan Africa. But Erdogan’s government has managed to export military drones, military personnel carriers, armored vehicles and police equipment to several African countries.