– Africa and Free Trade
African nations have struggled to integrate successfully into the global economy. There are many
historical reasons, cultural reasons, environmental and governmental reasons, among other
circumstances leading to the situation we see today.
Regardless, Africa is now beginning to attempt to address and resolve their lagging fortunes through the
formation of Free Trade Agreements and opening to foreign direct investment.
Start your investigation of these economies by reading the case study “The Push Toward Free Trade in
Africa” (pages 281 and 282 in the 12 th Edition of your textbook) and the PDF article “Chinese Direct
Investments in Africa” from the Georgetown Journal for International Affairs, Winter/Spring 2016,
Volume XVII, Number 1.
Adding at least two more peer reviewed articles to your knowledge base, provide a comprehensive
description of the economic and political climate for business in Africa, including the most recent
developments in free trade zones, and identify reasons why the African countries are growing in
importance on the international stage.
Also, describe the internal and external forces that may influence organizational success as it relates to
Africa. End by answering the following question: Who is better to help grow Africa’s economy for the
betterment of Africans, the West (USA & Europe) or the East (China) and why?
Remember, good papers include concepts learned to date!