Author: Stefaan Marysse, Sara Geenen.

The recent involvement of China in sub-Saharan Africa is challenging and changing the world geostrategic scene. In the article, we analyse the agreements between the Congolese government and a group of Chinese state-owned enterprises. A number of public infrastructure works will be financed with Chinese loans. To guarantee reimbursement, a Congolese/Chinese joint venture will be created to extract and sell copper, cobalt and gold. These are the biggest trade/ investment agreements that China has so far signed in Africa. This article seeks to contribute to the discussion regarding the agreement’s impact on internal development in Congo. Does it create a ‘ win-win ’ situation for all, or is it an unequal exchange ? We outline the internal and international debates and analyse several noteworthy characteristics of the agreements. In conclusion, we present a balanced view on the likely impact on Congo’s short-term and long-term development.