Editor's note

Climate change will have a huge impact all over the world, especially in Africa. While a lot of attention has been given to agriculture and how changing weather patterns will affect output, there's not been much on small and medium businesses. Kate Elizabeth Gannon and Declan Conway reveal how even small changes in rainfall will hit cities' water and electricity supplies, with major consequences. 

Places matter an enormous amount to people. In large parts of southeast Nigeria, the Otobo - a village arena or square - is one such deeply important space. John Kelechi Ugwuanyi explains how villages use their Otobos, and why these are such central focuses of daily life.

China's global rise is on course to make it the world's largest economy before 2030. But there is one area in which China lags behind, explains Yu-Shan Wu – the use of "soft power" which helps a nation achieve its interests by influencing the preferences of others.

The issue of racism has come up in relation to China’s relationships with a number of African countries. For example, in Kenya accusations of racism have been raised as Juliet Okoth explains. In China itself, the country’s media is struggling to overcome stereotypes of Africa, writes Dani Madrid-Morales. One of these examples was an offensive “blackface” skit intended to highlight the positive aspects of China-Africa relations but which did the opposite, writes Roberto Castillo.
 

Nontobeko Mtshali

Education Editor

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In Zambia businesses in the food processing sector, are in for a tough time. flickr/Simon Hess

Small businesses in Africa will be on the frontline of climate change

Kate Elizabeth Gannon, London School of Economics and Political Science; Declan Conway, London School of Economics and Political Science

Water and power cuts prompted by reduced rainfall and drought in Southern Africa have caused major problems for business.

A group of men proceeds to an Otobo in an Igbo village. John Kelechi Ugwuanyi

Ancient village arenas remain a central force in Igbo life. Here’s why

John Kelechi Ugwuanyi, University of York

The Otobo remains an ancient symbol of democracy; it almost certainly helped to shape Nigeria's modern democracy in some ways.

China-Africa relations

China, Kenya relations and the question of racial discrimination

Juliet Okoth, University of Nairobi

Kenya has a legal framework that protects its citizens from racism but there are challenges with its implementation

Ties between African countries and China are complex. Understanding this matters

Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand; Chris Alden, London School of Economics and Political Science; Cobus van Staden, South African Institute of International Affairs

Not enough credit is given to the agency African governments have in their dealings with China.

Britain has no hope of catching up with China in Africa

Stephen Chan, SOAS, University of London

The UK's plans for post-Brexit trade and investment in Africa are pint-sized by the standards of other major players.

How new Silk Road will cement China as major trading partner for Africa

Asit K. Biswas, National University of Singapore; Cecilia Tortajada, National University of Singapore

The Belt and Road Initiative will not be starting entirely from scratch. China has already invested heavily in several African railways.

Why Zambia has not benefitted from its rosewood trade with China

Paolo Omar Cerutti, Centre for International Forestry Research; Davison Gumbo, Centre for International Forestry Research

Zambia's rosewood forests are being decimated but it's still not reaping the full benefits of exporting the coveted wood to China.

A tale of two Chinas: the story of South Africa’s switch from Taipei to Beijing

Christopher Williams, University of the Witwatersrand

Mandela did not make the decision to jettison Taiwan and recognise China. He adhered to a decision by the governing ANC.

How media and film can help China grow its soft power in Africa

Yu-Shan Wu, University of the Witwatersrand

Film could benefit China's soft power. It highlights the country's deep pockets and potential for wider audience appeal.

What China’s President Xi’s extended tenure means for Africa

Cobus van Staden, South African Institute of International Affairs

Now that President Xi Jinping's presidential term has been extended indefinitely, African governments need to plan strategically for their future engagements with the Chinese.

Why China’s removal of term limits is a gift to African despots

David E Kiwuwa, University of Nottingham

The Chinese Communist Party's decision to remove presidential term limits could be a signal to African despots.

What ‘blackface’ tells us about China’s patronising attitude towards Africa

Roberto Castillo, Lingnan University

China's offensive 'blackface' skit intended to highlight the positive aspects of China-Africa relations, has done the opposite.

China’s media struggles to overcome stereotypes of Africa

Dani Madrid-Morales, City University of Hong Kong

In China, like in other parts of the world, Africa is routinely treated as a single unit, erasing its linguistic, racial and cultural diversity.

What the Djibouti military base tells us about China’s growing role in Africa

Theo Neethling, University of the Free State

China's presence in Africa continues to grow with its first military base in Djibouti. It wants to be a friend to Africa positioning itself as a global power while looking after its own interests.

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