Chinese Investments in Africa and Other World Regions and the Just Transition Path
Language: English
Chinese’ large corporations have positioned their investments in different sectors throughout Africa and over developing world regions. Most importantly, China is transforming its production capacities in the form of a ‘green energy policy’ that can help mitigate climate change. It currently produces half of the world’s electric vehicles, 80% of solar panels and is aiming for a goal of ‘zero carbon’ neutrality by 2060. China appears to be the only country that is following the guidelines of the Paris Agreements. The production of PB cells at very low prices; of batteries and electric vehicles have become an important part of Chinese economic and investment policy, while China is also established as an important investor in infrastructural development abroad. This economic positioning could signal one of the greatest industrial and development policy transformations. Recently this extends to investments in financial inclusion and digital economy in the developing world, improving the positioning of other less developed countries in the use of digital devices. The objective of this session is to draw attention to the impacts that China is having within the framework of China's Belt and Road initiative in Africa and other world regions, but also on the dynamics of foreign debt and the adjustment policies of the International Monetary Fund and other creditor and investment entities. While considering other world regions, the panel focuses on the possibility of the African Union serving as a developmental model Global South collaboration.