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Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Ivory Coast, Mozambique and Ethiopia from 9th to 14th January 2014. China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Ethiopia, Djibouti, Ghana and Senegal from 7th to 11th January 2014. The two visits somewhat overlapped chronologically as well as geographically. The visits also took place on the heels of a steadily deteriorating relationship between the two Asian powers. And, at times, the visits themselves descended into a verbal combat over who has Africa’s best interest at heart. From 4th to 11th May 2014, roughly about four months after Prime Minister Abe visited Africa, Mr. Li Keqiang, China’s Prime Minister, also visited Ethiopia, Nigeria, Angola and Kenya. In this essay, we shall explore some of the major issues that ought to be considered in assessing what seems to be an unfolding Sino-Japanese rivalry in Africa, and the options available to the continent under the circumstances. Keywords: issues, relationships, rivalry, Sino-Japanese