Localizing Chinese Enterprises in Africa: from Myths to Policies

Prof. Barry Sautman, an HKUST IEMS Faculty Associate and political scientist at HKUST, discusses the myths about the extent of localization of Chinese enterprises in Africa. He also recommends how African governments can further encourage Chinese enterprises to further contribution to employment and development. Citing findings from his extensive field research throughout Africa, Prof. Sautman suggests that myths about Chinese firms' putative non-localization should be abjured and those propagated for political ends by anti-Chinese political forces should be counteracted, so that Africans can move on to reality-based job issues within the China/Africa relationship.