Africa: The Chinese Agenda...
China's bid to take over Africa is real, alive and well. I actually support the increased level of trade, because I believe the only thing was than be exploited in the new global economy is not being exploited at all. I do not have much to complain about 'yet' with regards to the Chinese bid for the mother continent. However I fear that the mother continent is not poised to 'play'.
Like in all games, understanding the available options, rules, players,outcomes and incentive is the only way to deploy an optimal strategy. When will we stop the infighting and bickering and focus on double edged onslaught presented by the Chinese. You cannot but notice the textbook case of duality of the Africa- Chinese scene. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime or this could be the opportunity that cost the continent a lifetime.
Zeroing in on my favorite country on the African continent. What do the Chinese have to offer Nigeria? Is the Chinese experience going to be any different from our experience with the West. I still have various images ingrained in my memory about our experience with the Western Hemisphere. I still remember the highest placed ministry official in a certain Nigerian ministry telling me (Upon the completion of phone presentation) "There are many white people bidding in that area, don't bother with that". My experience with the Chinese have not being rosy either. I recall the never ending contract by the Babangida administration, to refurbish the Nigerian Railroad. Millions of dollars later our train track still serve as perfect locations to sun-dry our garments.
Will China care if our kids toys are coated with lead? Will China care to recall failed car seat belts from Nigeria. My brothers and sisters isn't it time to play this game to win?
Godspeed.
Related link:
Like in all games, understanding the available options, rules, players,outcomes and incentive is the only way to deploy an optimal strategy. When will we stop the infighting and bickering and focus on double edged onslaught presented by the Chinese. You cannot but notice the textbook case of duality of the Africa- Chinese scene. This could be the opportunity of a lifetime or this could be the opportunity that cost the continent a lifetime.
Zeroing in on my favorite country on the African continent. What do the Chinese have to offer Nigeria? Is the Chinese experience going to be any different from our experience with the West. I still have various images ingrained in my memory about our experience with the Western Hemisphere. I still remember the highest placed ministry official in a certain Nigerian ministry telling me (Upon the completion of phone presentation) "There are many white people bidding in that area, don't bother with that". My experience with the Chinese have not being rosy either. I recall the never ending contract by the Babangida administration, to refurbish the Nigerian Railroad. Millions of dollars later our train track still serve as perfect locations to sun-dry our garments.
Will China care if our kids toys are coated with lead? Will China care to recall failed car seat belts from Nigeria. My brothers and sisters isn't it time to play this game to win?
Godspeed.
Related link:
- FT
- Chinalyst
8Comment(s):
I will beback with my comments
We are too busy fighting each other over nonsense. If people had the opportunity to look up from their squabbles, they would realise that there is profit to be made by everyone and would allow others to benefit from the possible effects of trade with China.
Nevertheless, we have to be careful to not put ourslves in a detrimental position now that China has become an important world player. I wonder if our rulers are thinking strategically and planning adequately? Oh, that's right, they are too busy throwing punches to care...lol!
Well they see opportunities and step in. We are too busy being complacent to do anythign for ourselves...
We can not be too careful. That is all I am going to say. We need to monitor the encroachment with alertness.
I will be back.
Nice blog.
Do you know abou the conference currently going on right now.
Part of the reason why we need people like you back home....