Recently, developed countries have been trying hard to build relationships and strengthen existing ties with Africa. The first U.S.-Africa summit ever took place this year. U.S. President Barack Obama hosted the event. For the first time in nearly a decade, Japan's Prime Minister made several official visits to African countries. There have been no loud statements so far, but on the sidelines, the U.S., EU and Japan have already discussed the ways to depose China with its growing influence on the continent, especially in the field of commercial industrial production. For now, it is difficult to say who is winning in this race. At the meeting, the chief executives of six largest companies working in such important areas as banking, telecoms, consumer goods and commodities, unanimously said that China has the strongest influence in Africa presently. “China is doing a fantastic job because they are coming with patient capital and a long-term vision,“ said Vimal Shah, CEO of Nairobi-based consumer group Bidco. «They don’t try to dictate to you how to run the country,” he added. Herbert Wigwe, the head of Nigeria’s Access Bank, stated: “I have gone to almost every country in Africa – at least to 50. The Chinese influence is growing by the day and they are getting it right.”
However, Beijing came under criticism inside and outside Africa for its “cheque book” policy, as it practices lending money to African countries to mainly benefit its own construction groups.
