China’s special economic zones and the industrialisation of Africa

Abstract

Africa’s interest in the Chinese experience of industrialisation has led to the development of SEZs on the continent. The past two decades have witnessed an evolution of Africa from relying on traditional industrial zones to implementing numerous modern international SEZs, and from having only seven China–Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones to possessing modern African SEZs of various developers and operators. The African SEZs inspired by China are increasingly widespread. As a new strive for development, African industrialisation through SEZs is characterised by underlining export promotion and the preference for the labour-intensive manufacturing industry based on well-developed infrastructure and an active role of the state. China has been supporting African SEZs in the whole process from financing, construction, and management to industrial transfer and investments. Despite the significant opportunities that SEZs offer, African countries still face several limitations in implementing them successfully. African policy-makers and other actors involved in the SEZs can better adapt to the new approach of industrialisation by making relevant adjustments.