Abstract

The attention devoted to the growing relations between Africa and China often misrepresents and exaggerates the real size. Trade between the two is extremely important but so far investment from China is not as important as many may think. Equally important, but unknown, is the growing interest of Africa in the Chinese economy itself, making this relationship more complex and prominent. With new protectionist impulses growing across Europe and the US, it would be interesting to discuss possible impacts for the Africa-China relations. Do these developments create space for both, or are they likely to be negatively affected by decreasing trade and investment appetite? CARLOS LOPES is a Professor at the Graduate School of Development Policy and Practice, University of Cape Town, and Visiting Fellow at the Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford. He has led several UN institutions, most recently the Economic Commission for Africa, based in Addis Ababa, from which he stepped down in November 2016. Prof. Lopes belongs to a number of Boards including the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies in Geneva, and the Lisbon University Institute, that he Chairs. He has recently being appointed as a member of the African Union reform team led by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame. @lopesinsights If you have any questions or queries about this event please contact Prudence Golding-Fuller – pg464@cam.ac.uk