Ties between African countries and China are complex. Understanding this matters
The complex relationship between Africa and China has become even more complicated this year. Initially, 2018 was set to reaffirm the bond through the latest Forum on China-Africa Cooperation summit held in Beijing in September.
China-Britain-Uganda: Trilateral Development Cooperation in Agriculture
Against the broader context of donor pluralism, trilateral development cooperation (TDC) has received renewed interest within development policy circles, with supporters arguing that TDC reflects the changing geographies of aid and helps to forge new, more equitable global development partnerships.
In the driver’s seat? African agency and Chinese power
While Africa’s partnership with China has undeniably led to a jump in trade and investment, especially over the past two decades, many on the continent remain concerned about the relationship’s lack of equality.
Debt trap? Chinese loans and Africa’s development options
Africa’s growing public debt has sparked a renewed global debate about debt sustainability on the continent. This is largely owing to the emergence of China as a major financier of African infrastructure, resulting in a narrative that China is using debt to gain geopolitical leverage by trapping poor countries in unsustainable loans.
Work, Employment, and Training Through Africa China Cooperation Zones: Evidence from the Eastern Industrial Zone in Ethiopia
This working paper investigates the developmental impacts of Ethiopia’s Eastern Industrial Zone (EIZ), with a particular focus on local employee experiences of working for, training with, and learning from resident companies. As an emerging mode of Africa-China cooperation, the promotion of Chinese special economic zones (SEZs) has attracted much academic and media attention.
BRICS: Getting to grips with the drivers and dividers
The 10th BRICS Summit in Johannesburg is now behind us. It occurred on the back of a few years of significant domestic economic and political changes among some of the BRICS and diverging national interests. Critics of the bloc will rightly point out these challenges and divergences, but often neglect that in some areas the BRICS have converging interests which have cemented their cooperation.
Exploring the role of China, Japan and India in the East Africa Blue Economy
This paper examines the role of China, Japan and India in East African development, focusing specifically on Kenya and Tanzania. Of particular concern is the regional Blue Economy, which encompasses economic, social and environmental concerns related to maritime industries and, according to the approach adopted by the African Union, also inland water bodies.
What kinds of Chinese ‘Geese’ are flying to Africa? Evidence from Chinese Manufacturing Firms
This paper provides preliminary analysis of the nature of Chinese manufacturing investments in Africa, focusing predominantly on four countries — Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania —but also including examples as illustrations from other countries, when appropriate.
Chinese Manufacturing Moves to Rwanda: A Study of Training at C&H Garments
Rwanda has often emphasized the growth of knowledge—intensive services, tourism, and information and communications technology (ICT), over labor—intensive manufacturing, to grow its economy.
The BRICS in a multipolar world
This week, South Africa will host the tenth annual gathering of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).