Author: Elsje Fourie.

In recent years, the assumption that China could serve as a model for African states is a craze. This article examines the influence in terms of ideas and values, of the Chinese development trajectory on the elites of two African states: Ethiopia and Kenya. If these elites seek out exemplary development models beyond their borders, they see in China only one possible source, among others, of "lessons" to be learned, placing the Chinese experience in the broader context. an East Asian development model. As a result, African elites have initiated a lesson-drawing process that gives them greater capacity for action than is often assumed. In recent years, the idea that China could serve as a model for African countries has generated much enthusiasm. This article examines how ideas and values ​​derived from China 's development path influenced Ethiopian and Kenyan elites. The author shows that these elites seek exemplary development models from other countries; However, they look at China as one of the most important sources of knowledge, situating their experience within the broader framework of East Asia's development. Therefore, African elites have initiated a lesson-drawing process which is usually assumed. In addition, based on the lessons they elite retain, the author finds that many key modernization theories remain extremely popular in Africa.