Africa's Shadow Rise: China and the Mirage of African Economic Development

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For years economists have spoken of Africa rising, and despite the global financial crisis, Africa continues to host some of the fastest growing economies in the world. Africas Shadow Rise however argues that the continents apparent economic rise is essentially a mirage, driven by developments elsewhere - most particularly the expansion in China's economy. While many African countries have experienced high rates of growth, much of this growth may prove to be unsustainable, and has contributed to environmental destruction and worsening inequality across the continent. Similarly, new economic relationships have produced new forms of dependency, as African nations increasingly find themselves tied to the fortunes of China and other emerging powers. Drawing on in-depth fieldwork in southern Africa, Africas Shadow Rise reveals how the shifting balance of global power is transforming Africas economy and politics, and what this means for the future of development efforts in the region.

Reviews

The authors take a deep dive into China's economic activities in Africa using detailed case studies to make a significant contribution to the work around African development. * Anita Plummer, Howard University *
A skilful exploration of the contradiction between euphoric Africa Rising narrative and reality of the increased number of Africans who continue to live in poverty. A critical and insightful analysis of Chinas roles in Africas development. * Francis Owusu, Iowa State University *
A provocative diagnosis of Chinas linkages with Africa, raising some profound questions as to the nature and direction of Chinese engagement in Africa. It will make a powerful contribution to the wider debate on Sino-African relations. * Ian Taylor, University of St Andrews *
'This must-read, timely book critically challenges the 'Africa rising' thesis. It charts both change in terms of the China-led commodity boom and diversification of dependency, but also troubling continuity through the lack of structural transformation. * Rory Honer, The University of Manchester *

Author Bio

Pdraig Carmody teaches Geography at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, where he directs the Masters in Development Practice and is a Senior Research Associate at the School of Tourism and Hospitality at the University of Johannesburg. His previous books include The New Scramble for Africa (2016), The Rise of the BRICS in Africa (Zed 2013). Peter Kragelund is head of the Department of Social Sciences and Business, Roskilde University. Ricardo Reboredo is a PhD candidate at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland His research interests include globalization, development, and Sino-African relations.