Impact of Globalisation on the Development of Ethnic Groups - The Case of Nigeria and China: Prospects for Sino-Africa Cooperation in Poverty Reduction

Abstract

This study is consequent upon the similarities and dissimilarities between these two countries of the south-south in their development cooperation. Both countries have population which is an asset (potential market) to globalization and international trade. The two countries have enormous natural resources, endowed with abundant labor as a cheaper factor of production. They are also multi-ethnic with larger rural areas than the urban region. The People’s Republic of China is the most populous country in the world, while the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the most populous country on the African continent. Both countries are developing, though China on a faster track. Nigeria was forced into colonialism fully, but China partially. China faces external influences on the Taiwan issue; Nigeria also faced external influences on the Bakasi Peninsula. Economic liberalization started in China in 1978; it has been there in Nigeria even before independence, prompting the discovery of crude oil in 1958. China drilled her first oil in 1959. In the language of political economy, China is communism (centrally planned), while Nigeria is a mixed economy. In the dawn of a new era in development, “China Africa” development cooperation based on equality and mutual respect, what does the historical impact of globalization on the development of ethnic groups holds for the future of these two countries in particular and Africa in general? What lessons can we learn from the past? And what new strategy and prospect for China Africa’s sustainable development? The methodology include field visits, interview and literature review.