Chinese Business in Africa: Facts VS Feelings
Ethics Institute of South Africa, 2014
- Téléchargez le rapport complet à http://www.ethicsa.co.za/uploads/files/African%20Perception%20Survey%20of%20Chinese%20Business%20in%20Africa.pdf
- Lire aussi l'article de Nadia Gianoli [Africans negative about Chinese business impact] à http://www.ethica-respons.net/Africans-negative-about-Chinese
Executive summary
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
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.
Overall, the perceptions of Africans are rather negative as in all six categories more respondents are negative than positive. In terms of the reputation of Chinese Business in Africa, 43.3% is negative and 35.4% positive. In respect of the quality of Chinese products and services, 55.9% is negative and 22.7% positive. Regarding environmental responsibility of Chinese companies in Africa, 53.9% is negative and only 11.1% positive. In terms of economic responsibility of Chinese companies in Africa, 40.1% is negative and 28.3% positive. There is somewhat more optimism when it comes to the social responsibility of Chinese companies, with 45.7% being negative and 21.0% positive. Lastly, perceptions of employment practices of Chinese companies in Africa are 46.0% negative and 19.1%
positive.
- The survey indicates that Africans are happy with Chinese investment in the sense that it contributes to the development of their countries. However, Africans are concerned about the economic, workplace, social and environmental impact of Chinese investment. Hence, Chinese companies need to be aware of their economic, workplace, social and environmental responsibilities when investing in Africa;
- Chinese companies and Africans should engage with a view to understanding one another and discussing the issues raised in this report in order to ensure mutually beneficial solutions. One of the follow-up activities of this report will be to organise a Lead Ethics in Africa Dialogue (LEAD) in this regard; and
- It is to a large extent up to Africa to gain from its relation with China. African leaders should be responsible and ethical when entering into business and investment deals with China (and all other countries). They should also ensure that there are strong institutions in Africa that can determine the terms of engagement and make sure that Chinese companies are held to such terms. They should ensure that African citizens reap the benefits of foreign investment, whether Chinese or not.
