China's increasing interest in Africa in the post-Cold War period calls for sharp analysis of the evolution of civil society dialogue between Chinese and African civil society organisations and the prospects for greater future engagement on advocacy work.

China's involvement in Africa has provoked much debate and discussion. Is China just the latest in a line of exploiters of Africa's rich natural resources who put their own economic interests above humanitarian, environmental or human rights concerns?

Drawing on lessons from the slave trade, studies of international finance and the struggles of many African people to make a living, this book shows how free trade damages democracy, justice and the environment in Africa.