Paper short abstract:

This paper undertakes a comparative analysis of the role played by China and Brazil in Africa as well as the implications of the relationship for Africa. Importantly, we examine the nuances that undergird China’s and Brazil’s relationship with Africa.

Paper long abstract:

Both China and Brazil have grown phenomenally in the global economy and both have been increasing their engagement with various regions of the world. Africa is among the geographical spaces which has seen a surge in Chinese and Brazilian presence in recent times. Consequently, there has been a plethora of academic writings on the subject. Some have examined the role of China and Brazil separately in Africa but fewer have sought to compare the nature of, and the implications of the engagement for the African continent. Are both BRICS nations out on a search for natural resources and to secure a place as a major global power? What are the nuances that define and distinguish their liaison with Africa? This paper seeks to fill this gap by undertaking a comparative analysis of China's and Brazil's engagement with Africa.