Seminar: Beyond enclaves: Unpacking Chinese economic engagements in Africa

This presentation by Dr Romain Dittgen 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. Romain Dittgen argues that the modalities of the Chinese spatial footprint are characterized both by closure and interaction, creating a dynamic tension which produces its own set of unique practices. The ambivalence between enclave and active linkages with host societies is not only a physical reality from a spatial point of view, but also emerges in regards to economic strategies.

If the Chinese presence has gradually become a tangible part of the economic landscape in Africa, the implementation of these activities has not been without challenges. In the face of several forms of risks, both of the studied activities have shown signs of change in terms of behaviour. Settling in challenging African contexts raises therefore the question about the level of resilience by Chinese actors and, in short, the degree of influence the host environment holds over the organisation and the structuring of activities. Consequently, it is essential to adopt a long-term approach in order to see to what extent both Chinese operations are embedded in particular territories or places.

This is a joint seminar by ASC and IIAS in Leiden.