THE HIGH COST OF CHINA'S INVESTMENT IN AFRICAN COMMUNITIES: LOST LAND AND JOBS

Abstract

This thesis examines the economic and societal impacts of China's investments in African communities in relation to displaced communities and the loss of land and jobs, with a focus on Zambia. The thesis asks: what is the impact of China's investments on the ordinary African in terms of land ownership, business ownership, and employment opportunities? Case studies facilitate the examination of local population claims of lost land and jobs. This thesis finds that China's investments in Zambia, especially in the mining sector and multi-facility economic zones development, have led to large-scale land acquisition and displacement of indigenous Zambians from their ancestral lands, leaving most rural communities landless and with inadequate access to social services. Moreover, where resettlement of displaced persons is implemented, there are issues of food insecurity, marginalization, and psychological stress. Additionally, local Zambian unemployment is increasing dramatically as Chinese firms hire fellow Chinese rather than Zambians, and small and medium businesses are competing with local Zambian traders for market space and customers. Given these findings, it is recommended that Zambia's government improve implementation of the land-acquisition policy framework to regulate land acquisitions. Further, regulation of Chinese businesses should be strengthened, along with a revision of the immigration policy and issuance of immigrant work permits.