Why China's Development Model Won't Work in Africa

Forbes published on 31 October 2019 a commentary titled "Why China's Development Model Won't Work in Africa" by Wade Shepard.

The author argues that China's development model is unique. In China, large infrastructure projects can be planned in a top-down manner; in Africa such planning generally isn't possible given the sheer number and complexity of the stakeholders involved. While there is considerable truth to this argument, it does not necessarily apply everywhere in Africa.

Kenya: Drought, Pastoralism, and Violence

World Politics Review published on 9 May 2017 an interview with Murithi Mutiga, International Crisis Group, titled "How Drought and Politics Are Exacerbating Pastoralist Violence in Kenya."

The author discusses the intersection in northern Kenya of drought, access to water and pasture, pastoralism, land conservation and confiscation, and politics. The result is an increase in violence.

China's Investment in Zimbabwe's Agrarian Reform

The Centre for Chinese Studies (CCS) at Stellenbosch University published a commentary on 21 October 2016 titled "China's Investment in Zimbabwe's Agrarian Reform" by Tichafa Chidzonga, research assistant at CCS.

Zimbabwe exported more than 50 percent of its tobacco crop to China in 2015. This commentary explores how Chinese foreign investment has engaged in Zimbabwe's agricultural sector and examines some of the implications for the sector. Land previously owned by white farmers, then taken over by political elites, is now being rented out to Chinese investors.

Chinese-built Railway Project in Kenya

The China-Africa Research Initiative at Johns Hopkins University published in October 2016 a policy brief titled "Local Politics Meets Chinese Engineers: A Study of the Chinese-built Standard Gauge Railway Project in Kenya" by Uwe Wissenbach and Yuan Wang.

The authors conclude that the standard gauge railway project in Kenya has sparked controversy around its economic viability, corruption, opaque contracting practices, financing arrangements, and community and labor issues. The project has also created modest development opportunities for local content, jobs, and skills.

Ethiopia: Foreign Investors Concerned

The Washington Post published on 2 November 2016 an article titled "Investors Shy Away from Ethiopia in the Wake of Violent Protests" by Paul Schemm.

The article concludes that Ethiopia's industrialization program is at risk of faltering--along with its impressive economic trajectory--as current investors reconsider options and new ones shy away.

See the posting below dated 29 October on the same subject.

Protests in Ethiopia Raise Questions for Foreign Investors

Frontera published on 17 October 2016 a commentary titled "Foreign Investors Under Attack in Ethiopia" by Jeremy Luedi, analyst at Global Risks Insights.

The author noted the attacks by protesters on foreign investment in Ethiopia, adding that drought conditions have contributed to the situation. He concluded that the "ham-fisted and belated response from the government only further undermines Ethiopia's image in investment circles."

The Guardian published on 26 October 2016 an account titled "Ethiopia Vows to Protect European Companies after Farms Attacked" by Laura Secorun.

The story concerns two Dutch companies, africaJUICE, owned 10 percent by the Ethiopian government, and FV SeleQt, a vegetable growing company. AfricaJUICE was largely destroyed and remains closed. The story suggests there were questionable land rights given to both companies.

Uganda's Oil Sector: On the Right Track?

The Washington-based Institute for Defense Analysis (IDA) published on 14 August 2013 a brief analysis titled "Uganda's Oil Sector: On the Right Track?" by Ashley Neese Bybee, a research staff member at IDA.  The report questions decisions by the government concerning land acquisition policies and wonders whether Uganda will be able to avoid the resource curse of oil.