Unpacking the dynamics of chinese investment in Africa
Chinese investments in African agribusiness and manufacturing, and their potential contribution to knowledge and technology transfer
Abstract
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) provides an important contribution to economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa; notably investment from countries such as China. However, economic growth does not necessarily equate to structural transformation – the reallocation of economic activity across the three sectors of the economy, agriculture, manufacturing and services. Structural transformation is crucial for growth as it can lead to a more diversified and resilient economy, with long-term benefits for citizens.
To better understand the impacts of Chinese FDI on accelerating structural transformation in Africa, researchers from the China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies looked into Chinese investments in African agribusiness and manufacturing, and their potential contribution to knowledge and technology transfer and structural transformation.
This impact case study offers a snapshot into what the CARI research team has achieved so far, and into the influence that their Development and Economic Growth Research Programme (DEGRP) supported project has had with policy, media and other non-academic stakeholders.
Citation
Langley, M. (2020) Unpacking the dynamics of chinese investment in Africa. DEGRP Impact Case Study.