As one of the world's political and economic giants, China has played a tremendous role in developing African economies. However, many are questioning China's political motives – believing China is conducting a form of neo-colonialism by deliberately indebting African countries. As part of our collaboration with UCL Africa Conference, we’re delighted to have Mr W. Gyude Moore and Ms Hangwei Li speak to us about whether the "Debt Trap Diplomacy" phenomenon is an accurate representation of current China-Africa relations and the effectiveness of Chinese investment and aid in the continent.

About the Speakers

W. Gyude Moore is a senior policy fellow at the Center for Global Development. He previously served as Liberia’s Minister of Public Works and as Deputy Chief of Staff to President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and Head of the President’s Delivery Unit (PDU). At CGD, Moore’s research focus is around financing infrastructure in Africa and the changing landscape of development finance on the continent. His research tracks the channels of private sources of finance, the rise of China and its expanding role in Africa, and Africa’s response to these changes. He holds a BS in Political Science from Berea College and an MS in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

Hangwei Li is an advisor of African Views and a PhD candidate in politics and international studies at SOAS, University of London. Previously, she worked as a journalist and researcher for three years in Africa. She also has working experiences with the UN, Council of Europe and University of Zambia. Her work has been published in various academic journals and media platforms, including Journal of Current Chinese Affairs, the African Review, the Guardian, and others. Hangwei’s research interests include Chinese and African politics, especially China’s political and economic engagement with Africa. Hangwei was also a Predoctoral fellow at Harvard Kennedy School and a researcher at the Global Development Policy Center, Boston University.