Chinese FDI and impacts on technology transfer, linkages, and learning in Africa: evidence from the field

Based on a brief review of the existing literature on knowledge transfer between Chinese and Africans, this introductory essay sheds light on the purpose, methodologies, and main findings of this special issue. Aiming to investigate the impacts of Chinese FDI projects on technology learning in Africa, a team of SAIS-CARI researchers conducted field research in six African countries. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a comprehensive analysis on China-Africa knowledge transfer has been carried out. Our research finds that the majority of investments in agricultural and manufacturing comes from private small-to-medium sized companies that are driven by market factors and operate outside the Chinese government. The research suggests that Chinese investments in Africa have contributed to hiring and training local employees, demonstrated advanced technologies, and cooperated with local enterprises; however, the effectiveness and sustainability of the knowledge transfer varies across different sectors and countries.