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Business Chinese talent demand in Africa: the effect of China-Africa goods trade structure

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  • Donald Lien
  • Chengang Zeng
  • Heting Wu

Abstract

Using panel data on goods trade between China and 46 African countries, and the number of business Chinese learners in these African countries from 2009–2022, we employ several econometric models to investigate the impact of the Sino-African goods trade structure on African countries’ demand for business Chinese talents (BCTs). We find that both Africa’s export and import trade with China generate stable BCT demand. Moreover, BCT demand is higher in the import trade with China than that in the export trade. Further analysis reveals a differentiation in demand between the import and export trade with China. In the import trade with China, BCT demand correlates with the trade of industrial products, with higher BCT demand in high- versus low-value-added industrial product imports. In the export trade to China, BCT demand is greatest for low-value-added industrial products, followed by mineral and agricultural products. The results provide valuable insights for China and African countries to formulate relevant business Chinese education policies, aiming to better leverage the role of international Chinese education in promoting bilateral trade between China and Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Donald Lien & Chengang Zeng & Heting Wu, 2026. "Business Chinese talent demand in Africa: the effect of China-Africa goods trade structure," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(8), pages 1468-1483, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:58:y:2026:i:8:p:1468-1483
    DOI: 10.1080/00036846.2025.2467284
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