N°20 > How does China contribute to the industrial development of African countries?
China has become a key economic partner of Africa, which is partially included in China's ambitious « One Belt One Road program ». Its engagement on the African continent takes very different forms according to the sub-regions and the countries considered as priorities.
The Chinese breakthrough is generating a media infatuation and the press is multiplying announcements of projects. Some of which are only promises : for instance, the construction by the Chinese group Haite of a "new industrial and residential city [in Morocco] of 2,000 hectares".
This profusion requires to take a step back.
What about Chinese activity in Africa? Does the Chinese strategy contribute effectively to the industrial development of the countries concerned? Are " Chinese special economic zones" adapted to the African context? Are alternative scenarios possible?
The purpose of this document (in French) is to describe the trends of the last 15 years, to put into perspective some received ideas and to propose elements of reflection that counterbalance, sometimes contradict, the too many effects of annonce.
Lead authors:
Jean-Raphaël CHAPONNIERE, Observatoire Europe-Afrique 2020
Christian DELAVELLE, Observatoire Europe-Afrique 2020
With the contributions of:
Jean-Claude BERTHELEMY, Université Panthéon Sorbonne
Imène BASRIRE, IPEMED
Pierre BECKOUCHE, IPEMED
Jean-Louis GUIGOU, IPEMED
Thierry PAIRAULT, CNRS - EHESS
Paulette POMMIER, IPEMED
Kelly ROBIN, IPEMED
S U M M A R Y
- China - Africa: economic issues and trends
- China in Africa: an essentially commercial strategy and a prudent investment policy
- The "Chinese Special Economic Zones": an emerging solution, which for the moment does not prove to be at the height of the stakes
- CONCLUSION - China-Africa Prospects: Several major issues and many uncertainties
