Africa’s commodity-dependent economies are extremely vulnerable to the current uncertainties roiling global markets, specifically the heightening trade tensions between the U.S. and China. With the tariffs taking their toll on China’s slowing economy and the U.S. becoming even more assertive with other countries, African policymakers have good reason to be worried.
This week, Cobus and Eric are joined by Cheng Cheng, Chief Economist of the Made in Africa Initiative and a prominent Chinese economics commentator on China’s Belt and Road agenda. Cheng, like a number of economists, believes that the ongoing Sino-U.S. trade dispute could have severe ramifications in emerging markets, particularly in places like Africa, if it’s not soon resolved.
Show Notes:
- Africanews: Why Africa will choose Beijing in ongoing US-China trade war by Ronald Kato
- Reuters: South Africa’s Ramaphosa: U.S.-China trade war born from jealousy
- The Diplomat: What Will the US-China Trade War Mean for Africa? by Bonnie Girad
About Cheng Cheng:
As Chief Economist, Dr. Cheng leads research work of the Made in Africa Initiative. He also serves as Senior Advisor for the UNDP Asia & Pacific.
Before joining the MIAI as full time, he worked for two years as a Research Fellow for the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies, Renmin University of China, focusing on development economics and finances. Dr. Cheng’s book “Blood Creation Finance and the BRI: New Model for China Africa Development Cooperation” was published in mid-2018. He co-authored two other books about development economics and finances in China.Dr. Cheng has also published dozens of articles on journals, media, and magazines. He is also a frequent commentator on TV programs such as the CCTV, CGTN and Phoenix Television.
