Development aid in Africa: A comparative analysis between the European and the Chinese cases

Details

Supervisors

Defraigne, Jean-Christophe

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Despite a public image associated with hunger, poverty, disease, corruption and conflict, Africa has been one of the most attractive targets for many world powers throughout history in search of growing markets and new opportunities. As a former colonial power, the European Union has been building for decades on its historical legacy to become Africa’s largest trading and development partner. However, its traditional hegemonic position in Africa has been challenged since the 2000s with the rising penetration of emerging economies, notably China whose political values, geopolitical interests and priorities appear to be directly undermining the EU interests and development policy on the continent. This thesis aims to investigate the dynamics between the European Union, China and Africa regarding development assistance in terms of stakes, challenges and opportunities by providing a comparative analysis of the European and Chinese development approaches toward African countries and exploring the prospects for EU-China-Africa relations. To that end, we follow a qualitative approach leveraging primary (OECD and Chinese macroeconomic indicators) and secondary research from academic and media publications, as well as think tanks and research institutes papers. This thesis takes a four-fold approach, with the first two parts presenting the specificities of the European and Chinese development assistance in Africa. The third part compares both development models and reflects on how they are perceived by the African opinion. The fourth and last part investigates the chances and challenges for EU-China-Africa relations and develops key recommendations. This thesis demonstrates that even though the European and Chinese aid approaches appear diametrically opposed, the gap seems to be narrowing and it is time for African actors to take the lead and advance their own development agenda.