China is rapidly becoming Africa's largest investor. They require little in the way of good governance and are aggressively creating new infrastructure in their drive to secure resources for their own industrial expansion. This offers both risks and opportunities for Africa. Once China becomes the most visible investor in Africa it also implies that their assets will be targeted by activists and opportunists.
It is rare that major businesses dare to stick their necks out and object to government policy. Mostly they're too busy keeping their heads down to avoid all the shrapnel sent their way.
"The rich are getting richer and the poor poorer as the filthy rich continue unabated with their greed to be winners who take all," says Bonkosi Mncwabe, the NUM 's Regional Coordinator in Kwa-Zulu Natal. Or even: "The conduct of these construction companies is reflective of the unprincipled conduct of business in seeking to always turn people's victories into enriching themselves," Malesela Maleka, SACP Spokesperson. And: "The lives of human beings are very much more important than exports and profit, and therefore COSATU will not stop exposing capitalists who put profit first before the lives of the poor working class," Solly Phetoe, COSATU NW Provincial Secretary.
Political and social leaders give the impression that businesses are evil geniuses able to make profits, no matter what. Further, the oppressed masses of the world have to band together in fragile, easily destroyed political groupings to fend off the depredations of despotic, all-powerful, capitalists.
A quick glance around the planet reveals the opposite.
Aid and trade are essential to Africa's further development. The US dollar declined by 30% during 2007. This has an effect both on the real value of aid and on the world economy.
