Africa Common Destiny Discourse: Perceptions, Practices and Voices of Youth

Africa and China have a long history of economic and political relations, dating back to the 1960’s when many African countries were gaining their independence from colonial powers. While establishing their first diplomatic relations, China has supported newly formed African states through foreign aid and investment, signaling China-Africa shared future, whether it is economically or politically. Since 2009, China has become Africa’s largest trading partner, a major source of infrastructure financing, and key player in regional and global affairs, and China’s modernization has been a source of inspiration to many countries from the Global South, especially African countries. However, in recent years, many critics have raised concerns about the nature and impact of China’s engagements in Africa, derailing China-Africa shared future willingness. Some suggest that China’s presence in Africa is mainly motivated by economic and political factors, considering that loans, grants, and infrastructure-for-resources are the main strategies for wooing Africans. Some other argue that China is exploiting remaining natural resources on the continent, others go beyond by imploring that China is creating debt traps, or undermining governance and human rights standards. Why such connotations? Is it because China has threatened colonial powers interests in Africa or is it about the over-hyped debate about African countries’ high external debt problem? It is impertinent for African youth to understand those critics and take responsibility in addressing well China-Africa relations in the new era.