Paper short abstract:

China has become an influential player in the international development landscape based on their economic growth. This paper will explore how China is reshaping and challenging the concept of sustainability through a hybrid model of development assistance in Sub - Saharan Africa.

Paper long abstract:

China's process of economic growth has led to their emergence as a major player in the global economy and international development landscape. Donors classified as Development Assistance Countries (DAC) have a clearly defined and established aid model. This is formalised in conditional agreements channeled bilaterally or through organisations such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, or the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). Meanwhile, China's form of assistance does not adhere to these standards. Their own development experience has shaped how "aid" and sustainability is conceived and practiced. This translates into China's unique development assistance model based on trade, investment, and aid. By challenging existing models of aid, China has influenced development cooperation with Sub - Saharan African countries giving them more leverage. In effect, China blurs the line between business and aid in an attempt to ensure mutual benefits for themselves and recipient countries. However, at times this does not result in a win-win scenario. The authors will investigate through case study and document review of select development cooperation projects how this is an emerging outcome. Further, this paper will frame sustainability through the lens of China whilst exploring the socio - economic impacts from the application of China's aid model on Sub - Saharan African countries.