United Nations Economic and Social Council

Ever since Mao Zedong’s rise to power and the shift of the Chinese economy from an agricultural-based state to an economic superpower, China’s role in the global economy and geopolitical context has progressively and rapidly increased, most notably in Africa. For the last 20 years, China’s influence over the sub-Saharan territory has expanded, becoming their largest trading partner with bilateral trading agreements, serving a key position as a creditor and foreign investor to the African states. This has been beneficial, as it has spurred economic growth in the region as well as the promotion and development of infrastructure and new forms of energy, which has been advantageous to key primary sector industries, in accordance with the African Union’s Agenda for 2063. Recently, projects such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) have aided Africa's integration into the finance world and global economy. However, this has caused concern in the international community, with suspicions of “debt-traps” and sovereignty loss arising. Considering the generous imports received by China and its increasing military influence in the region, there are increased concerns about whether the agreements are balanced. This committee aims to address China’s influence in the African continent, seeking to improve the region’s economic situation while preventing these rising forms of “neocolonialism”.