Africa has entered a new era. Last week, China opened its doors to over 45 African leaders as it hosted a three-day summit to celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations with the continent.

In 2005 alone, trade between Africa and China was worth $40 billion.

This is a quantum leap from the traditional predominantly European trading partners .

The continent has witnessed renewed interest in doing business with the East.

Africa needs China to invest in roads, railways and other infrastructure.

Last month China and Nigeria signed a $8 billion contract to construct a 1,315km line between Lagos and Kano.

China needs Africa for its abundant supplies of natural resources and raw materials to fuel its ever growing economy.

Recently the US and the European Union expressed reservations that China was doing business with "undemocratic" regimes in African countries.

But the West has openly said in many instances that Africa was deemed too risky to do business. The Chinese filled the void.

Many economists argue that overall, China's growing economic ties with Africa will benefit the continent.

Another big player on the scene is India. A recent World bank report stated that both China and India's growing trade and investment in Africa held great potential for African economic growth.

The study showed that the two Asian giants get 27% of Africa's exports, about three times what they traded in 1990.

China is investing heavily in African oil exploration to help meet its rapidly-growing consumption.

It is now the world's number two consumer of petroleum products after the US. That is good news for East Africa given therecent successful exploration of oil in Western Uganda, the positive offshore prospects for Kenya and Tanzania.

China's Prime Minister, Wen Jiabao, was in Africa in June and made visits to several countries. It was then that the world openly acknowleged China as Africa's next biggest partner.

East Africa has abundant natural resources, oil and untapped investment opportunities.

There are over 40 million outbound tourists in China. We can market our region as a combined unique tourist destination and share the bounty.

China, East Africa beckons.