Despite vast public concern and extensive media coverage, there is scant literature on how Chinese companies view the issue of local skills development in Africa. Even basic questions remain unanswered: Do Chinese companies perceive local skills development to be a salient issue? Has this issue caused them to change their strategies and operations? How has this influenced how they interact with local stakeholders, and what sorts of changes are produced as a result of these interactions? This study offers a starting point for answering these questions by using AVIC International as a case study. AVIC International is a Chinese state-owned company and member of the Global Fortune 500, and is one of the major construction contractors and heavy machinery providers in Kenya. It has also made major investments in the area of local skills development.
