The Centre for Chinese Studies at Stellenbosch University published in February 2013 a study titled "Chinese-led SEZs in Africa: Are They a Driving Force of China's Soft Power?" The author is Yejoo Kim, a research analyst at the Centre for Chinese Studies.
The paper focuses on the Special Economic Zones (SEZs) as a possible expansion of China's soft power in Africa. It notes that most of the SEZs are still under construction and have not yet started operations. The study also identifies a number of labor issues that may confront the companies that participate in the SEZs.