The African continent has seen considerable growth over the past 10 years, after two lost decades at the end of the 20th century. It is now the second-biggest growth region in the world, largely due to increased global commodity prices, driven by demand in East Asia.
China has made great economic strides since its reform and opening-up in the 1970s, so it is natural for most countries in Africa to want to learn from the Chinese experience when pursuing their own development.
The relationship between China and the African continent is one of the most significant relationships in the world today.