China ”Wants to Set Up Factories in Africa”

China’s relationship with Africa has been criticized as one focused solely on procuring natural resources. But Beijing is trying to improve this image by potentially moving lower-value manufacturing facilities to sub-Saharan Africa in possible partnership with the World Bank. In the process, this step may help African states develop a manufacturing base and improve their economies. But Africa still lacks sufficient infrastructure, which could hinder China’s plans. And there is a dark side to this potential shift in the China-Africa relationship too. Critics cite China’s willingness to work with regimes with poor human rights records, sustaining the rule of weak governance. Additionally, others complain about cheap Chinese imports that threaten local businesses and that Chinese investors often bring their own labor, which does little to aid development. Given China’s still abundant supply of labor, one wonders whether Beijing is ready to outsource manufacturing just yet. –YaleGlobal