The Expanding Chinese Influence in Africa

The establishment of Chinese cement manufacturers in developing Africa has grown in recent years. Infrastructure development, high-value economic activity, knowledge sharing and skills development are but some of the incentives offered to struggling African economies in return for a hold on the largely untapped natural resources.

These relationships arenÔÇÖt without their difficulties. Alleged and confirmed social and environmental infractions and a seeming disregard for local law often lead to strained relationships between Chinese manufacturers and the African communities that they benefit.

In recent years, China has become Africa's largest trading partner. Trade volumes jumped from US$6.5 billion in 1999 to an estimated US$160 billion in 2011, with approximately 2,000 Chinese enterprises established on the continent.

Read the rest of the article in the CemWeek Magazine issue 9.