Africa continues to be a country ridden with poverty. “Thirty-three of the 48 United Nations’ least developed countries are found in Africa. That means that almost 70% of the world’s poorest countries are located in this region competing over resources that could make a very big difference to individuals as well as nations and cultures (Penn State 2016).” These two sentences alone pack enough punch for anyone to understand that Africa is struggling, and the only way to create a better culture and economy, is by the influence and assistance of others countries.
Two Countries that continue to compete to have the most successful influence on Africa are the United States and China. Back in April of 2014, Barrack Obama invited all the African Leaders to the US-African Leaders Summit in Washington. Barrack Obama was the first US President to have all leaders in one meeting to discuss their regional struggles, and their current relationship with the US. The struggles that the US is having, is that China has already built strong relationships in China, to where many Chinese have relocated into China, and opened up local business in struggling areas to help contribute to areas of poverty, and do what they can to support people in need. In 2013, China had traded $200 Billion between Africa and China. The United States has commitments from US business that were willing to trade with African in the amount of $14 Billion. As you can see from these numbers, China had already created a relationship that is helping contribute to the African society and culture, and helping in bettering the lives in Africa, and attempting to lower the amount of poverty throughout African Nations. But their is a catch!
Their are big difference between the United States and China as they continue to compete for presence in Africa. The investments that China make might equal more in dollar amounts, but are often investments of poor quality, not benefit China more then Africa. However, the investments from the United States may not equal the dollar amounts of China, the US offers security to region in needs which is something that China cannot offer.
The question that needs to be asked is, What will it take for the US and China to work together developing and supporting Africa? If we work together, their culture, economy, business development, jobs, and everything else will grow, helping the overall economy of the world.
Everyone knows that the US and China continue to compete on the global stage to be the world Super Power. Both excel in certain areas that the other fails. China is innovative in technology and the development of global business, while the US is know for its Military Power. Both are known for other great things, but i just wanted to keep it simple as with just these 3 things, the US and China could help advance Africa into the current age, and grow its economy and bring the African people out of Poverty.
Dickey, L. (2014). China and the US Compete for Influence in Africa. Retrieved December 04, 2016, from http://thediplomat.com/2014/08/china-and-the-us-compete-for-influence-in-africa/
Canvaslearning management system. (n.d.). Retrieved December 04, 2016, from https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1802572/modules/items/21179152
Yvan Yenda Ilunga PhD Student, The Division of Global Affairs, Rutgers University. (2015). Eye on Africa: US and China tussle for economic influence. Retrieved December 04, 2016, from http://theconversation.com/eye-on-africa-us-and-china-tussle-for-economic-influence-37009
Kristy D. says
This post reminds me of a concept I learned about while researching my global leadership paper, which focused on Japan. In Japan, it is customary for competitors within an industry to collaborate with one another, sharing ideas and information in order to strengthen the industry and its future. While they are competitors, they realize that strengthening the industry itself has the potential to improve each of their businesses. Additionally, it reflects the Japanese cultural tendency to think in terms of long-term success as opposed to short-sighted gains.
It seems like this type of collaboration regarding improving business prospects in Africa could benefit the entire world by improving the global economy. So if, for example, the U.S. and China were to collaborate regarding their business ventures in Africa, think long-term, and work together toward improving Africa’s infrastructure and other ways that make it more hospitable to foreign companies, everyone could benefit.
Ian Elkins says
Nice post. Africa has the ability to create a better culture and economy, but like you said, it is going to take other countries involvement in order to make that happen. The problem that most foreign companies have with investing in Africa is the violence that still continues to take place. American companies are going to back away from making investments if they are not going to be safe. China has stepped up and started making investments in the country, but they are more for China’s benefit than Africa’s. United States investments would prove to be more beneficial in that they would produce more and be more sustainable, but until they can prove to be safe from conflicts, you are not going to see many prominent US companies take that chance.