Author: Sofie Geerts, Namhla Xinwa, Deon Rossouw.

This survey measures Africans’ perceptions of the business practices of Chinese nationals (hereafter “Chinese business”) in African countries. Such a survey is long overdue. While there have been several studies of the perceptions of Chinese and Europeans, Africans are the ones who are directly affected by investment of Chinese business in their countries. Also, there is a widespread perception that Chinese investment in Africa is not benefitting Africans. China stands accused of being a ‘new colonial power’, extracting resources for their own benefit with little return for Africa. In addition, Chinese presence in Africa is viewed with suspicion, especially from Western countries, and their human rights record, labour practices and environmental practices are often questioned. On the other side, the Chinese are very positive about their investment in Africa, contending that it contributes to the development in Africa. However, we cannot rely on assumptions, fuelled by rumour and misinformation as the relationship between Africa and China becomes more and more important, hence the need to measure the perceptions of Africans themselves. This report presents the findings in this regard, preceded by a literature review.