European countries lose prize to China in race for stakes in Africa

Europe is concerned that China is gaining an upper hand in a continent it once considered as its sphere of influence, having carved it into smaller units at a conference in Berlin in 1885 during the Scramble for Africa.

At that time, it did not matter that the units that were being brought together and given names such as Nigeria, Kenya or Egypt had very little in common.

Fast forward to 2010 and the European states are watching helplessly as their prize catch slips away.

Who has been building roads in Africa? In the past, such a task was for Italian or German contractors. Not any more as more countries are now facing the Far East.

And who is offering huge loans and cash handouts to African countries? The answer is more likely China.

Why are European countries losing out? The answers are straightforward. China offers loans with very few strings attached and ready manpower as many of its citizens are willing to work in Africa.

The growing Chinese presence was the theme of a recent seminar at the Italian Foreign ministry that was sponsored by an Italian institute known as ISPI (Istituto per Gli Studi di Politica Internazionale).

The answers were very clear. Experts at the Italian Foreign ministry were watching events in Africa keenly with a special focus on Nigeria and Kenya, given the recent promulgation of the new Constitution.

Europe has its good heart and kindness but the muscle is no longer there. Europeans are failing in key areas that require some muscle.

The result is that Chinese, Indian and Israeli contractors are now likely to be picked for key jobs in Africa, be it road projects, mobile phone networks and even medical supplies.

In Kenya’s case, there has been no looking back. Since the change of guard in the 2002 polls, Chinese aid has been on a steady rise.

At that time, China’s portion of total aid to Kenya was a paltry 1.6 per cent. By 2005, the margin had risen to 9.98 per cent.

Currently, most key projects in Kenya are under the Chinese, with the top one being the upgrading of Thika Road into a modern multi-lane highway. The story is the same in many parts of Africa, be it Zambia, Ghana or Angola.

Although China has been open-handed to African countries, many of its citizens have been beneficiaries of jobs in the donor projects.
However, there is concern over the large number of unskilled workers from China.

However, despite losing out in big contracts in Africa, Europeans still lead in one vital area – empathy and the desire for a just society. This is a virtue that lacks in the upcoming tigers such as China or India.

A visit to the Pope’s abode at Vatican City shows a slice of European generosity. On any day, thousands of visitors arrive to take a look at Christendom’s largest church free of charge even if they go all the way to the grotto under St Peter’s Basilica where the last Pope to die, John Paul II and others before him are buried.

Surely Africa needs European kindness and China’s readiness to handle tough jobs.