In this global era, when the world is interconnected through information, technology and interdependence, how can we solve the problems of Africa, one might ask.

It is a time when the imminence of trans-boundary problems such as tariffs and non-tariff barriers and the surge of development problems such as diseases, illegal migration and global change have altered the dynamics of state relations. But it is also a time when no single state can claim to have a solution to global problems.

In this new age, trilateral cooperation between Europe, Africa, and China, based on shared values, is the best solution for the contemporary problems Africa faces.

Read together there is something in it for everyone. Although some criticize China, saying it allegedly exploits Africa and exhibits colonial tendencies, there are others who think otherwise and embrace the win-win argument it puts forward.

Those accusing China of exploiting Africa cite its dependence on raw material imports from Africa as resembling the mercantilist trade era. However, in reality China's trade with Africa far from resembles mercantilism. China's trade is diversified in terms of its State-owned companies investing in mining and infrastructure, and private-owned companies investing in manufacturing.

Furthermore, China's autonomous provinces and businesses are also investing directly in Africa without much control from the central government, a significant consideration when calculating the involvement of the State in Chinese companies operating abroad.

The win-win argument is that China's Belt and Road Initiative promotes shared interests, including those of Africa, China and Europe. They argue that the free economic and trading zones along the Belt and Road routes are for all companies to invest in, including European and African companies.

To this end, China's perspective is that infrastructure development opens up many previously abandoned areas to trade, eventually leading to a win-win situation. Hence the Initiative offers a focus point for strengthening trilateral cooperation.

Trilateral cooperation provides enormous opportunities for Africa, China and the Europe and each can maximize its own potential to trade, invest and develop.

Europe remains a major trade, investment and development partner for Africa and China. Furthermore, the European Union has enormous experience in multilateral negotiations. Africa and China can learn from this experience.

For Africa, this is an opportunity to diversify and grow economically, learning from China's development experience that has managed to pull 700 million people out of poverty within four decades. Africa can also use China's interests in energy and food security as leverage in its relations with EU.

As for China, it is an opportunity to innovate, grow its export-led economy, and export its experience of bridging the gap between the rich and poor as well as its industrialization experience.

Historically, Africa has been acted upon. History has made Africa rather than Africa making history. From the Berlin Conference of 1884-85 to the current economic partnerships fronted by the European Union, Africans have been discussed in various forums without Africa's voice. Africans should be in the driver's seat when determining the economic development of their own countries.

Africa comprises 54 disaggregated sovereign states. When dealing with Africa it would be advisable to consider that the continent is a region in which states pursue their own national interests. Africa as a collective region, Africa as independent states and Africans as individuals in the sense of civil society, should always be considered.

More important, the trilateral cooperation ought to take Africa as an equal partner. Trade, investment and development negotiations between Africa, China and Europe should be transparent and fair. They should be based on interests as well as shared values.

The author is a lecturer in international relations at the United States International University-Africa (USIU-A) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The author contributed this article to China Watch exclusively. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of China Watch.

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