This book is envisaged as an edited volume by a scholar with an established record in terms of research and publication in Africa-China relations. The assembled scholars also have verifiable publication records in this and related fields. In addition to the critical evaluation of China?s programs and projects on the continent, there are other questions authors, as editors and contributors, are interested in. These include (a) whether China is preying on states and societies on the continent or, if indeed, she is a benevolent partner on the continent; (b) whether many of the projects are undeniably integral to the growth and development of the continent, or are mostly white elephant projects; (c) examine the cost-benefit of China?s involvement on the continent economic and political space; and (d) why do Euro-America countries complain about the role and place of China in Africa?

Compared with many other edited volumes by Palgrave MacMillan, this volume is different on many fronts. Except for one contributor, all contributing scholars are Africans. Second, scholars took the time to describe the pros and cons?the positives and the negatives?of China and the Chinese involvement in the continent. Not enough books on China in Africa take this approach. Third, the contributors had the leeway to apply different but applicable theoretical frameworks to their chapters. And finally, all the participants in this scholarly project are well-grounded in Sino-African relations and politics.

The aforementioned reasons, therefore, allow them to see and interpret China?s involvement in and engagement with Africa from a Pan-African and global perspective.