A number of emerging Southern countries, such as Brazil, India and especially China, have in recent years been involved to a dramatic extent in investments, trade and the extraction of natural resources in Africa. China is today the largest single direct investor in Africa.

The strategic goal of this project is to build the capacity of the African Union to develop relationships with emerging powers that serve and protect the interests of African countries. At the request of the Department of Trade and Industry of the African Union Commission, the Regional South-South Unit for Africa spent nearly a year examining the trade policies of China and India with respect to Africa, gathering data, attended workshops and studying reports.

In September 2006, two reports were submitted to the African Union, which were then shared with decision-makers throughout Africa as part of the emerging strategic partnerships of the African Union with other Southern countries. These reports address issues of trade, including consultations, policies and negotiations in a fast-evolving arena where much is at stake for Africa.