Research reports and studiesJune 2020Linda Calabrese and Xiaoyang TangTextile factory worker, Ethiopia, 2019. Photo: © Davide ScalengheSince the early 2000s, China’s presence in Africa has increased dramatically in terms of trade, investment and infrastructure financing. This raised expectations about the potential for Chinese engagement with Africa to reinvigorate economic growth in the continent, but also questions about the potential challenges that could arise. Research by the DFID–ESRC Growth Research Programme (DEGRP) took place in this context, looking to address issues and questions around China–Africa development relations and their impact on African economies and livelihoods.This synthesis report uses evidence from DEGRP research and beyond to assess whether and how Chinese trade, investment and finance contributed to economic growth in Africa. The authors examine a significant body of evidence produced under DEGRP, framing it in the context of the wider literature. China’s engagement in Africa is analysed through the lens of economic transformation, considering increases of productivity within sectors as well as movement of resources between sectors.Read the research Africa’s economic transformation: the role of Chinese investmentRelatedCOVID-19: The Impact on China-Africa DebtMedia2 June 2020 Chinese firms and employment dynamics in Angola and EthiopiaThis brief sets in context and summarises findings from the DEGRP project ‘Industrial development, construction and employment in Africa’.Briefing papers26 May 2020 Financing the future of the Belt and Road in AfricaThis event focuses on the future of Sino-African development relations, in particular the Belt and Road Initiative in the East African context.Public event20 September 2019See more:economic developmentemerging economiestradefinancesub-Saharan AfricaChina
