China's new role in Africa

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao set out the future direction of his government's investment in Africa at a summit in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh over the weekend.

He promised $10bn of new loans as China seeks to secure lucrative contracts for the continent's considerable natural resources.

He also promised new power stations and debt-relief initiatives for the poorest nations.

But as BBC correspondent Christian Fraser found out, on the summit floor there was a mixed reaction to China's involvement in Africa.

While politicians debate the pros and cons of Chinese investment, there is no question that China's influence is increasingly being felt on the ground in Africa.

There are a growing number of language schools in Africa, teaching Chinese.

Omni Tech computer services in Nairobi is just one of the places offering Chinese language courses in the city.

Lucy Gathingee is the school's programme director:

The Chinese government is keen to stress that it's not just in Africa for business - it also wants a cultural exchange.

As part of that, African musicians like John Masuka of Sisi Tambala, from Tanzania, have been invited to perform in China.

First broadcast 9~10 November 2009