Q&A
Matt Ferchen
{
"authors": [
"Matt Ferchen"
],
"type": "legacyinthemedia",
"centerAffiliationAll": "",
"centers": [
"Carnegie Endowment for International Peace",
"Carnegie China"
],
"collections": [
"China and the Developing World"
],
"englishNewsletterAll": "",
"nonEnglishNewsletterAll": "",
"primaryCenter": "Carnegie China",
"programAffiliation": "",
"programs": [],
"projects": [],
"regions": [
"Southern, Eastern, and Western Africa",
"East Asia",
"China"
],
"topics": [
"Economy"
]
}
Source: Getty
In The Media
The Danger of Too Much Chinese Debt in Africa
Analysis of China’s investment decisions in Africa can be informed by the debt crises of Venezuela and other high-risk countries in the Global South.
By Matt Ferchen
Published on Jul 3, 2016
Source: China Africa Project
Under the auspices of One Belt, One Road (OBOR) and the Chinese government’s ‘Go Out’ overseas investment strategy, the country’s economic footprint in Africa is undeniably growing. That said, it is difficult to identify the pace at which investment is growing, how it compares to investment streams from other countries, and to what extent it is benefiting the general public in African countries. This podcast episode seeks to parse truth from myth and determine just how much China is investing in the economies of African countries and the liabilities of the resulting debt.
Carnegie–Tsingua’s Matt Ferchen joins Eric Olander and Cobus van Staden to discuss China’s loan practices in financing infrastructure projects in Africa.
This podcast was originally published by the China Africa Project.
About the Author
Matt Ferchen
Former Nonresident Scholar, Carnegie-Tsinghua Center for Global Policy
Ferchen specializes in China’s political-economic relations with emerging economies. At the Carnegie–Tsinghua Center for Global Policy, he ran a program on China’s economic and political relations with the developing world, including Latin America.
- How China Is Reshaping International Development
- Why Unsustainable Chinese Infrastructure Deals Are a Two-Way StreetArticle
Matt Ferchen, Anarkalee Perera
Recent Work
Carnegie does not take institutional positions on public policy issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Carnegie, its staff, or its trustees.
More Work from Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
- The Twilight of Oil in an Age of Uncertainty: From a Vicious to a Virtuous CyclePaper
The global hydrocarbon order is changing. Economic diversification and developing productive economies have become essential for Middle Eastern and North African states, requiring them to address social and political challenges and rethink domestic, regional, and global settlements.
- +1
Nur Arafeh, Ishac Diwan, Hamza Meddeb, …
- Speed Isn’t Working as an AI Strategy. The U.S. Has a Better Option.Commentary
It would provide a golden opportunity to reconsider what success looks like.
Michael Mazarr
- Price Analysis Shows China Holds Upper Hand in Russia Gas Supply TalksCommentary
A leak of Russian gas price data helps establish that China is paying Russia far less than Central Asian countries and Gazprom’s former European customers.
Sergey Vakulenko
- The Spring and Autumn of Chinese PoliticsCommentary
China’s political future will be shaped between now and next October. As the Communist Party enters its intense “campaign season” to prepare for a major political transition in 2027, reading Beijing's actions and responses may become more difficult as domestic politics weigh on its behavior more than usual.
Damien Ma
- Africa in Demand: How the Continent Is Advancing Its Interests in a Competitive WorldArticle
Global and rising powers will need to engage with Africa’s priorities and agency in order to secure the continent’s increasingly attractive partnerships.
Fonteh Akum
