In recent years, China’s involvement in Africa has been a subject of global discussion. While some Western critics accuse China of using the African continent as a dumping ground for its excess industrial capacity, the reality paints a different picture. China is actively partnering with African nations to boost industrialization, promote sustainable growth, and build capacity rather than offloading overcapacity.
Africa, home to over 1.5 billion people, faces significant challenges in energy access, with 43% of its population lacking electricity. Recognizing this need, China has invested heavily in developing Africa’s renewable energy resources. Projects like the Itimpi Solar Power Station in Zambia, designed and built by Chinese companies, exemplify this collaborative effort. With an annual capacity of 130 GWh, the power station not only caters to Zambia’s industries but also provides training to over 1,200 local workers, enhancing skilled labor for future projects.
Since the inception of the Belt and Road Initiative in 2013, China has committed to improving partner countries’ industrial capacities. Over 3,500 Chinese enterprises operate in Africa, and more than 50 industrial parks have been established with Chinese assistance by 2023. These developments have spurred economic growth, with countries like Ethiopia experiencing GDP growth rates above 8% between 2010 and 2020. The Eastern Industry Zone in Ethiopia, for instance, houses nearly 150 companies and provides approximately 23,000 jobs, offering better wages and advanced technological training to local workers.
This approach contrasts sharply with historical Western involvement in Africa, which often centered on resource extraction without substantial investment in local industrialization. Senior policy fellow Gyude Moore from the Center for Global Development notes that Western responses in Africa have not always aligned with African needs, often driven by geopolitical considerations rather than genuine developmental support.
China’s initiatives extend beyond traditional industries into advanced green technologies. The recent agreement between China’s Gotion High-Tech and the Moroccan government to establish the country’s first electric vehicle battery gigafactory is a testament to this forward-looking collaboration. Such projects aim to complete the value chain in sectors like electric vehicles, contributing to Africa’s industrial progress and sustainable development.
By focusing on capacity building and technological transfer, China is fostering a win-win partnership with African nations. This collaboration emphasizes mutual growth and development, challenging the narrative that China is merely dumping its overcapacity in Africa. Instead, China is investing in the continent’s future, supporting industrialization, and helping to create opportunities that benefit both Africa and China.
Reference(s):
China in Africa: Building capacity, not dumping overcapacity
cgtn.com
