Brief

IDS Policy Briefing 182

China–Africa Economic Zones as Catalysts for Industrialisation

Published on 28 May 2021

Chinese-sponsored Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones offer African countries opportunities for new sources of investment, employment, skills transfer and technology transfer that promote industrialisation.

For more than 15 years, these economic zones have provided a window into the complexities of transforming African aspirations for industrialisation into realities. Through policy frameworks and incentives, Chinese firms have been encouraged to link with local economies. Despite varied outcomes, African support for industrial parks remains strong. To be sustainable, African Special Economic Zones need constructive partnerships and strong African governance, backed by high-quality data to inform both Chinese and African government decisions.

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Cite this publication

Alden, C. and Gu, J. (2021) 'China–Africa Economic Zones as Catalysts for Industrialisation', IDS Policy Briefing 182, Brighton: Institute of Development Studies, DOI: 10.19088/IDS.2021.045

Authors

Jing Gu

Research Fellow, Centre Director

Publication details

published by
Institute of Development Studies
doi
10.19088/IDS.2021.045
issn
1479-974X
language
English

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