Trade, Growth, and Policy Recommendations: Analyzing Economic Development in Africa and China

This analysis has a twofold aim: to examine the role of trade in economic growth from both theoretical and empirical perspectives, and to offer policy recommendations within the framework of Africa-China commercial cooperation. Fueled by China's demand for natural resources and rapid economic expansion, trade between Africa and China has surged in recent decades, significantly influencing African development. Africa's GDP has grown through increased exports-particularly timber, minerals, and oil-driven by Chinese demand. Empirical evidence suggests that while trade with China has generally supported African growth, the benefits have been unevenly distributed. The influx of low-cost Chinese goods has sometimes undermined local industries, and the trade balance remains skewed in favor of China. This pattern, characterized by raw material exports and finished goods imports, poses risks to industrialization and value addition in Africa. In response, the study presents targeted recommendations to address these challenges.