I’ve often observed some very poorly crafted policies by U.S. State Department in various African nations that seem entirely focused on reducing the influence of the Chinese, failing to take into account long-term strategic objectives for the region.

China has unarguably outpaced and outwitted Western businesses and governments in expanding their footprint in Africa over the past decade, but we shouldn’t necessarily be concerned about it.  In many countries, China is stepping in to accomplish projects that Western developed nations either can’t or don’t want to be involved in, and is helping transform the infrastructure of these countries in ways that is mutually beneficial to both parties.  But China’s charm offensive does have an expiration date.

Writing for CNN, Peter Elgen points out some of the challenges faced by Chinese investment in Africa that pose some limits to their future growth in the region – namely, how many jobs can they continue providing?