OP-ED: The future is Asian, and Africa’s hinterland is there By Bakang Ntshingane
The rise of Asia is a bigger narrative than the super-economies of India and China. The growth and emergence of smaller and midsize economies is a significant feat. Indonesia is well on its way to becoming a $2-trillion economy while Vietnam is one of Asia’s fastest-growing economies, surpassing Belgium and Switzerland.
Although this resurgence happens simultaneously with the West’s eclipse from global corridors of power, the West will remain an influential force in global politics. So how should the world relate to a resurgent Asia? Africa has been the centre of the world’s attention for its natural resources. The continent remains the “go-to guy” for raw materials and a sprawling youthful population that represents a lucrative market for the world’s top producers.
Imports of African products by ASEAN have shown a significant rise while Malaysian, Korean and Singaporean companies have become increasingly visible in Africa. But what will Asian investment and hyper-economic activity bring to the African continent? A Green and technology revolution, agribusiness investments to boost agricultural productivity? All in all, the long-term implications of Afro-Asian synergies are positive.
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