China is deepening its influence in Africa through a multi-faceted approach that has recently shifted from a purely economic focus to a more geopolitical one. This strategy involves cultivating a favorable image, forging strong relationships with the political elite, and exporting its model of governance. This is a significant departure from the traditional aid models of developed countries, which have often struggled to solve long-standing issues like tribal conflicts, human trafficking, and famine. China’s approach, while not directly addressing these specific social problems, focuses on infrastructure development and elite training as a means to secure its long-term interests and expand its global standing.
Shifting Focus to Geopolitics and Elite Capture
China’s engagement in Africa, initially driven by its need for raw materials and new markets, is now increasingly oriented towards geopolitics. This is evident in its move to establish political training schools for African leaders. A key example is the Mwalimu Julius Nyerere Leadership School in Tanzania, which was set up in 2022. This institution, a collaboration between the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and an informal coalition of six southern African liberation parties, aims to teach future African leaders the CCP’s methods of maintaining political and social control. It’s a clear strategy of “elite capture,” where China builds interpersonal links and fosters a political class sympathetic to its authoritarian model of governance. This model, which prioritizes party-state control, offers a powerful alternative to Western-style democracy, which some African leaders may find appealing.
In 2023, China also refurbished the Herbert Chitepo School of Ideology in Zimbabwe, signaling a similar move to exert greater influence on the curriculum and political training of ruling party cadres. China’s strategic move to establish more such schools in other African nations like Burundi, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, and Uganda is a clear indication of this new, long-term approach to shaping Africa’s political landscape.
A Contrast to Traditional Development Models
While developed countries have provided aid for decades, its effectiveness in addressing Africa’s core social problems has been a subject of debate. Many of these programs are often tied to specific conditions or reforms. China’s strategy, however, is built on a principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations, which appeals to many African governments. China’s foreign policy tools, such as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), have focused on building large-scale infrastructure projects like railways, ports, and dams. These projects, while they may not directly tackle issues like famine or human trafficking, are seen as vital for economic growth and development. The BRI has seen record engagement in Africa, with new deals for infrastructure projects being signed regularly.
By prioritizing economic diplomacy and security cooperation, China has cultivated a favorable image. It presents itself as a partner for development, not a traditional “donor,” which resonates with the “South-South” solidarity narrative. China’s financing, primarily through state-owned banks, has focused on bridging Africa’s significant infrastructure financing gap, which Western aid has often failed to address. While some critics raise concerns about debt sustainability and transparency, China’s model offers a different path to development, one that emphasizes rapid infrastructure growth and strong state control, rather than the institution-building and social reforms typically promoted by Western nations.
China is exporting its model of political authoritarianism to Africa
Comments