New trends in triangular and south-south: Africa’s strategy toward china and its implication for west Africa countries

Abstract

Relations between China and Africa which were essentially ideological in nature during the cold war period have undergone a rapid expansion in the recent past as a result of the strong growth and economic boom which have given fresh momentum to China’s arrival on the international scene. The stakes involved in China-Africa cooperation have provided a platform for debate which will be analyzed in this publication with a view to enabling African countries in general, and West African countries in particular, to identify the strengths and weaknesses in this relationship as well as the opportunities and risks involved. The papers in this publication not only provide an overview of the China-Africa cooperation in key areas but also outline proposals for a sub-regional strategy in cooperation with China. The publication offers both national level and sub-regional strategies to fully optimize on the ever-growing engagement with the Chinese.