Global Power Shifts and China's Evolving Role in Africa | Live Online Course

Course Overview

Dive into the transformative dynamics of China-Africa relations with this comprehensive 7-week live online course. Examine how China’s “Going Global” strategy, surging trade volumes, and massive infrastructure projects are reshaping Africa’s economies, governance structures, and geopolitical role on the world stage. From historical ties like the Bandung Conference to modern initiatives like the Belt and Road, analyze critical questions: Is China a viable development model for Africa? How do African nations navigate this complex partnership? What are the implications for governance, human rights, labor, and the environment?

Led by a PhD expert in international relations, this beginner-friendly course uses twice-weekly Zoom sessions to explore economic, political, security, and cultural dimensions of this pivotal relationship. Critically assess both opportunities and risks, debunk common myths, and earn a Certificate of Attendance to showcase your expertise.

No prior knowledge required—just curiosity about global power shifts!

What You’ll Learn

By the end of this course, you’ll be able to:

• Trace the historical and modern evolution of China-Africa relations from pre-colonial exchanges to contemporary partnerships
• Analyze economic, political, and strategic drivers of China’s expanding role in Africa
• Evaluate opportunities and risks in trade, investment, infrastructure, and security partnerships
• Assess China’s soft power strategies and political cooperation mechanisms, including FOCAC
• Critically examine governance concerns, human rights issues, labor practices, and environmental impacts
• Understand Africa’s growing geopolitical significance in global power competition
• Apply critical thinking to contemporary debates on Chinese migration, labor disputes, and sustainability

Why Choose This Course?

Live, Interactive Learning
Engage in twice-weekly Zoom sessions (2 hours per session, 4 hours per week) with a PhD expert in a small class of 5–15 learners for personalized attention.

Critical & Balanced Perspective
Explore both opportunities and concerns in China-Africa relations, including governance, human rights, labor issues, and environmental impact alongside economic benefits.

Global Context
Understand China’s role in Africa within the broader context of U.S. and European engagement and multipolar competition for influence.

Practical Skills
Build analytical tools essential for careers in policy, international development, diplomacy, or African affairs.

University-Level Education, Accessible Price
At $150, this non-credit course offers rigorous academic insights at a fraction of traditional costs, with a Certificate of Attendance included.

Flexible for Global Learners
Two convenient time options accommodate learners across time zones. Ideal for students, professionals, policymakers, or lifelong learners worldwide.

Course Content

14 Units (7 weeks, approximately 28 hours total):

Historical Foundations (Units 1-3)

Unit 1: Overview of China-Africa Relations
Contemporary dynamics and key debates; China’s strategic interests in Africa and Africa’s agency in the partnership; overview of cooperation and concerns

Unit 2: Historical Context of China-Africa Relations
Pre-colonial exchanges (Zheng He expeditions), Bandung Conference, Maoist solidarity, Cold War alignments, and the evolution to modern economic engagement

Unit 3: China’s Development Model and Its Relevance to Africa
Post-1979 economic reforms, state-led development, special economic zones, and debates on whether China offers an alternative development path for African nations

Soft Power and Political Cooperation (Unit 4)

Unit 4: Soft Power and Political Cooperation
Confucius Institutes, media engagement (CGTN, China Daily), cultural exchanges, people-to-people diplomacy; Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), political party exchanges, diplomatic engagement, and China’s “non-interference” policy

Economic Relations (Units 5-7)

Unit 5: Trade Relations Between China and Africa
China as Africa’s largest trading partner; trade patterns, imbalances, and commodity dependence; diversification challenges and terms of trade

Unit 6: Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from China
Trends in Chinese FDI across sectors; special economic zones; opportunities and challenges including technology transfer, local content, and economic impact

Unit 7: Aid and Development Cooperation
China’s aid model compared to Western approaches; infrastructure financing, concessional loans, debt sustainability concerns, and “debt trap” debates

Security and Strategic Dimensions (Units 8-9)

Unit 8: Security Cooperation and Strategic Presence
UN peacekeeping contributions, conflict mediation efforts, China’s naval presence in the Indian Ocean, Djibouti military base, anti-piracy operations, and maritime trade protection

Unit 9: Security Diplomacy and Defense Partnerships
Military exchanges, training programs, arms transfers, counterterrorism cooperation, defense partnerships, and private security companies

Critical Concerns (Units 10-12)

Unit 10: Governance, Democracy, and Human Rights
China’s approach to governance in Africa, human rights concerns and debates, democratic backsliding questions, authoritarian learning, transparency issues, and civil society responses

Unit 11: Chinese Labor, Migration, and Labor Issues
Chinese workers and migrants in Africa, labor disputes and working conditions, technology transfer versus local employment debates, skills development, migration patterns, and labor rights concerns

Unit 12: Environmental Impact, Health, and Agricultural Cooperation
Environmental standards in Chinese projects, natural resource extraction and sustainability, climate cooperation, ecological concerns; COVID-19 vaccine diplomacy, health infrastructure development, agricultural technology transfer, and debunking “land grab” myths with evidence

Contemporary Issues and Global Implications (Units 13-14)

Unit 13: Technology Transfer, Industry, and the Belt and Road Initiative
Artificial intelligence, telecommunications (Huawei, ZTE), surveillance technology, cybersecurity cooperation, digital infrastructure; BRI’s impact on African industrialization, manufacturing zones, and infrastructure connectivity

Unit 14: Global Implications and Great Power Competition
China-Africa relations in the context of U.S.-China rivalry, European engagement, India’s role, Russia’s presence, and Africa’s strategic positioning in a multipolar world; future trajectories and policy implications

Who Should Enroll?

• Beginners curious about China-Africa relations or global power dynamics
• Students in international relations, African studies, Asian studies, development studies, or political science
• Professionals in policy, international development, diplomacy, or human rights tracking global power shifts
• Business Professionals interested in Africa-China trade and investment opportunities
• Civil Society & NGO Workers concerned with governance, labor rights, and environmental issues
• Lifelong Learners eager to explore trade, security, governance, and cultural dynamics in a changing world

No prerequisites required—open to anyone worldwide with an internet connection.

How You’ll Learn

Live Online Classes
Interactive Zoom sessions with case studies, real-world discussions, and Q&A (2 hours per session, twice weekly)

Expert Instruction
Learn from a PhD academic with deep expertise in China-Africa relations and international politics

Critical Analysis
Engage with multiple perspectives on controversial issues, from debt sustainability to labor practices to environmental impact

Small Groups
Limited to 15 learners maximum for dynamic discussions and personalized feedback

Certificate Included
Earn a digital Certificate of Attendance to showcase on LinkedIn, your resume, or professional portfolio

Course Details

Duration: 7 weeks (14 live sessions, approximately 28 hours total)
Dates: November 7–December 20, 2025

Schedule Options:

• Option 1: Fridays & Saturdays, 12:00 PM–2:00 PM CET
• Option 2: Fridays & Saturdays, 6:00 PM–8:00 PM CET
• Custom Schedule: Alternative dates and times can be arranged for groups of 5 or more participants

Price: $150 USD (includes Certificate of Attendance)

Delivery: 100% online via Zoom—join from anywhere in the world

Minimum Enrollment: 5 participants required to run the course

Course Coordinator: PhD expert in international relations and China-Africa studies

How to Enroll

Step 1: Email info@gadaedu.com to join the waitlist and express your interest
Step 2: Once 5 participants enroll, you’ll receive payment and registration details
Step 3: Complete your registration and secure your spot in this transformative course

Group Enrollment: If you have a group of 5 or more interested participants, contact us at info@gadaedu.com to arrange a custom schedule that works for your time zone and availability.

Early-Bird Special: Enroll by Friday, October 31, 2025, for a $25 discount (use code CHINAAFRICA25 when you receive payment details). Final Price: $125 USD

Why Act Now?

Limited Availability
With a maximum of 15 learners per class, spots fill quickly. Secure your place in this intimate learning environment.

Global Community
Join learners from around the world to explore one of the most pivotal geopolitical shifts of the 21st century.

Early-Bird Savings
Save $25 by enrolling before October 31, 2025—that’s over 15% off university-level education.

Flexible Scheduling for Groups
Have colleagues or classmates interested? Form a group of 5+ and we’ll work with you to arrange a schedule that fits your needs.

Timely & Relevant
As China’s influence in Africa continues to grow and reshape global power dynamics, understanding both the opportunities and concerns of this relationship has never been more critical for students, professionals, and policymakers.

Critical Perspective
This course doesn’t shy away from controversial issues—governance concerns, labor disputes, environmental impact, and human rights debates are examined alongside economic benefits.

Investment in Your Future
Whether you’re pursuing a career in diplomacy, international development, business, policy analysis, or human rights advocacy, this course provides essential knowledge for navigating the changing global landscape.

Ready to Understand China’s Role in Africa?

China-Africa relations represent one of the most significant and debated geopolitical developments of our time, with profound implications for global trade, development, security, governance, and the international order. This course equips you with the historical context, analytical frameworks, and critical perspectives to understand this complex and evolving relationship—including both its transformative potential and legitimate concerns.

Don’t miss this opportunity to master the dynamics of global power shifts and China’s evolving role in Africa.

Contact us today at info@gadaedu.com to reserve your spot and join a community of learners committed to understanding the forces reshaping the African continent and the global balance of power.

For group enrollments or custom scheduling inquiries, email info@gadaedu.com with “Group Enrollment – China-Africa” in the subject line.

Questions? Email info@gadaedu.com for more information about the course, schedule options, group enrollment, or enrollment process.