China is now Africa’s biggest economic partner, with no other country matching the depth and breadth of China’s engagement on the continent. China’s engagement in Africa, however, has also been controversial. The media, pundits, and policymakers often question whether the presence of Chinese enterprises in Africa contributes to knowledge transfer to host countries, and skill development of local employees. Some claim that by relying on the import of a large number of foreign workers from China, Chinese enterprises contribute little to local skill development and knowledge transfer in Africa.
