Relationships between China and Africa were formally established in the 1950s but trade and cooperation dates back over 100 years. Recently, as China’s economy has continued to grow and transform the country into a major global player in all spheres, it has become clear that China increasingly needs to secure reliable sources of resources to support its economic development. Investors have long seen Africa as risky, unsafe and backward. But it has also been attractive to the adventurous and can provide very lucrative returns and profits. Although energy, oil, and other raw materials represent the most attractive business opportunities, manufacturing, infrastructure development, supplies and services are also very important.Notwithstanding the complexity of doing business in Africa, the impact that China’s modernization and driving need for resources can have on Africa can take the form of trade, FDI, etc. Over the past decades, China has become an influential player in Africa’s economy and development. This trend has brought opportunities and challenges. With a history of external exploitation, not quite successful economic experimentation and more recent rapid market-based development, China is in a unique position to understand the challenges and complexities facing Africa. In doing business in Africa and establishing a development framework, one is confronted with many options. These include opting for a country-specific or a regional approach. While the opportunities abound, the challenges are enormous.In recognition of these challenges, African leaders formed the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as the basis for a renaissance. Intended to rework the relationship between Africa and the developed world based on a partnership with a common vision, the NEPAD framework fits into China’s renewed diplomatic drive into Africa that emphasizes mutually beneficial cooperation, friendship, peaceful coexistence, etc. In addition, there is the pledge of coordinated sustainable development in the global economy and both the opening up of markets and help through debt relief to enhance Africa’s capacity. It is this new partnership that forms the basis for particularly trade, investment and strategic engagement.This type of engagement between China and Africa can provide valuable lessons for Africa’s development. The paper investigates the historical context of the China-Africa relationship; the framework for engagement - especially the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC); the need for a strategic agenda and the role of NEPAD. Under-standing of these issues can help promote business relationships that will enhance the long-term sustainable development of China and Africa as a whole.