Chinese Workers May be Leaving Africa, But They’re Not Necessarily Returning Home Says Researcher

Zambian President Edgar Lungu (L) meets and greets Chinese workers from Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC Intl) during a walk on September 15, 2018 on a major road in Lusaka, Zambia. DAWOOD SALIM / AFP

The two figures show the number of Chinese workers in the world and in Africa:

The first graph includes the workers sent abroad by Chinese engineering contractors. Engineering projects include the construction of bridges, railways, ports, and any other infrastructure a Chinese company can be contracted to build.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.