La Finanza allo Sviluppo della Cina in Africa e la teoria della "Trappola del debito": il casi del Djibouti e della Repubblica Democratica del Congo

The present elaborate seeks to analyze one of the most controversial hot topics in contemporary international affairs discourses: the nature of China’s financial involvement in Africa and whether it’s beneficial or detrimental to Africa’s development. In order to do that, the study will explore, first, the multifaceted Sino-African partnership in all its components, for the sake of framing specific configurations of their relationship. Secondly, the fundamentals of the discipline of International Development Finance (IDF) will be introduced so that readers will have an idea of what this economic activity consists of and how it is carried out by both China and the West. Afterward, we will apply this last concept to Sino-African relations, therefore analyzing China’s IDF in Africa and in two key case studies, namely Djibouti and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Lastly, a final assessment of critiques moved to China will be advanced, with a focus on the Debt Trap theory, and a conceptualization of corrective interventions for every party involved, with the final aim to reach a harmonious international consensus on the issue. The conclusion drawn relate to the necessity of China to adjust its approach with regard to the respect of African laws on the environmental and working provisions. Traditional donors as well should check their attitude and include China into the international decision-making process related to IDF. Lastly, Africa would have to explore its leveraging potential during negotiations, assess its institutional constraints and develop policies to confront debt obligations.