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Econ25


Diversifying dependence or structural transformation: China's engagement in Africa 
Convenors:
Dominik Kopiński (University of Wroclaw)
Padraig Carmody (Trinity College Dublin)
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Format:
Panel
Streams:
Economy and Development (x) Futures (y)
:
Neues Seminargebäude, Seminarraum 21
Sessions:
Saturday 3 June, -, -
Time zone: Europe/Berlin

Short Abstract:

This panel seeks to explore the question of whether the Chinese investment in the continent leads to its structural transformation or whether Chinese firms merely help Africa diversify its dependence, without any meaningful structural shift.

Long Abstract:

Chinese investment in Africa has captured the interest of both academia and the wider policy world, with some postulating that Chinese firms have the potential to bring about a structural transformation of the continent. Some scholars have even gone as far as claiming that Africa may be turned into the 'next factory of the world'. More cautious commentators claim that on balance, the literature points to a positive role of Chinese firms. This panel will examine this very question by focusing on Chinese investment and its impact on African development and the continent's position in the international division of labour. It will also place these encounters in a broader context of industrial policy, macroeconomic impediments to growth caused by COVID-19 and now Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and general structural features of African economies, such as lack of supporting industries, poor infrastructure, weak industrial base, that may obstruct their much-needed restructuring. Ultimately, this panel seeks to explore the question of whether the Chinese investment in the continent leads to its structural transformation or, as some suggest, Chinese firms merely help Africa diversify its dependence, without any meaningful structural shift.

Accepted papers:

Session 1 Saturday 3 June, 2023, -
Session 2 Saturday 3 June, 2023, -