The perceived role of emerging super-economy China in the developing nations of Africa is often summed up by what's known as the "China Deal," a 2007 agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and China that traded mining concessions for public infastructure development. This deal, the Sicomines Agreement, drew public criticism for its opaque negotiation process and accusations that the contract favored China's interests. The agreement was renegotiated to reflect IMF debt priorities in 2009. Next year, the mines licensed under the agreement are set to enter production.
In a new paper, "The Sicomines Agreement: Change and Continuity in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s International Relations," author Johanna Jansson contends that the path of the "China Deal" reflects a larger shift in the global economy, the confirmation of China's role on the international stage, and the continued influence of traditional development partners like international financial institutions. Whether or not the agreement will prove to be a "good deal" for the DRC, she writes, remains to be seen.
Jansson's report builds on her work in Chinese Companies in the Extractive Industries of Gabon & the DRC: Perceptions of Transparency, a report funded by RWI.
