The Centre for Europen Studies (CES) has observed that China appears to be relegating the interest of the European Union in Africa over the last few years.
According to the Centre, China’s seeming takeover of the continent is aided by the non-condition partnership and development they bring to the African continent.
Speaking at a lecture in Accra, the director of CES Professor Ransford Gyampo said it is important for the EU to reinforce the fundamentals of their relationship with Africa in light of the Chinese invasion of the continent.
“Africa has witnessed intense Chinese interest in its development efforts. According to him, there seem to be Chinese intrusion and clamor for Africa. It appears China is doing everything possible surreptitiously and overtly, to out-do and completely relegate European as well as other interests in Africa to the background. China appears prepared to take over Africa and is currently offering aid without orthodox stringent conditionalities to many African governments.
“They are building huge edifices, including libraries, lecture theatres, and other academic facilities in many African tertiary educational institutions freely. They are also engaged in several maneuverings purposefully to spread the Chinese culture among many people in the Africa region. Prof Gyampo stated that the purpose of the lecture was to discuss how Europe is positioning itself to relate with Africa in the future, in the wake of the Chinese zeal to nearly take over Africa,” he said.
Presenting her paper, Head of the European Union Delegation in Ghana Ambassador Acconcia noted that “the future of EU-Africa relations would be based on shared values and mutual respect. This is because, the EU has a stake in Africa’s development and would work towards ensuring a bright African future. The EU, through the proposed initiative of the African New Alliance for Sustainable Development and Jobs, will undertake several initiatives aimed at creating sustainable investment and employment opportunities in Africa”.
According to the Head of EU Delegation in Ghana, “the EU would also put in place proactive measures that would build the capacity of young people in Africa and develop vocational as well as entrepreneurial skills among them, as part of the solutions to irregular migration from Africa to Europe. The future of EU-Africa relations would also actively encourage bilateral trade not only with Europe, but also trade among countries in the Africa region in the spirit of promoting and deepening South-South Cooperation.
“The future of EU-Africa Relations would also strive to give true meaning to “Africa Beyond Aid”, particularly in the area of helping to change the aid mentality of many people and improving the business climate in Africa as a sure way of boosting foreign direct investments in Africa, from Europe and other developed countries in the world. The EU would also help new oil producing countries in Africa, like Ghana, to escape the “resource curse syndrome” through series of interventions that ensures that oil production results in development and not conflict”.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh
