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Africa Horn Now (AHN) is a monthly electronic magazine focused on raising major issues affecting the lives and times of people in the Horn of Africa. In this maiden issue of AHN we examine China’s multifaceted and complex relations with Africa.

China is thirsty for Africa’s oil and mineral wealth. In exchange, the continent gets infrastructure and aid. Along with China’s enhanced investment in Africa comes increasing influence.

While China feeds its growing hunger for Africa’s natural resources, the continent is becoming flush with roads, hospitals, schools, stadiums and other major works projects it desperately needs. But, along with the infrastructure come Chinese laborers and companies, which can cause friction with Africans desperate for jobs. In addition, cheap Chinese goods — in particular, textiles — have flooded African markets, wiping out competition, crippling local enterprises, closing factories and adding to widespread unemployment.

China’s role in Africa is becoming increasingly important and controversial.