Chinese aid – a blessing for Africa and a challenge to western donors

Abstract

To Africa, the emergence of China as a major development funder presents a clear advantage. It gives access both to new substantial resources and to areas to which western donors are less willing to contribute. It gives freedom to choose and, used wisely, would increase their ability to pursue their own development agenda. To western donors it represents a challenge to which we should respond by reflecting on our own practices, not by criticizing China.