ASC/IIAS Seminar - Beyond enclaves. Unpacking Chinese economic engagements in Africa

Romain Dittgen. This presentation explores two contrasting case studies which mirror two of the predominant features of the Chinese economic foothold in Africa, namely extractive and commercial activities. One is set in Chad and takes a closer look at CNPC’s (China National Petroleum Corporation) recent engagement in the Chadian oil sector. The other deals with the rapid and on-going expansion of Chinese wholesale and distribution centres in Johannesburg (South Africa). Based on these empirical examples, the paper depicts the way in which different Chinese entities – a state-owned oil company and privately owned malls – relate to their respective host environment.

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