Every year China’s two major legislative bodies convene for what is typically a rather boring, uneventful gathering to ratify the president’s agenda. This annual ritual, known commonly as the “Two Sessions,” is when the National People’s Congress, the mostly-rubber stamp parliament, convenes at the same time as the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, a Communist Party-led advisory body.
Normally, these kinds of legislative gatherings don’t generate much interest outside of China, especially in Africa, as they were largely seen as irrelevant given Beijing’s once limited role in world affairs. Not anymore.
Nairobi-based international development economist Anzetse Were is among a growing number of analysts who contend Africans need to pay more attention to what happens at events like the “Two Sessions” gatherings given China’s large and growing importance in African trade and development.
Were identified three key developments from this year’s events that were especially relevant for Africa: the elimination of presidential term limits along with the creation of two new agencies to coordinate international aid and a separate one to enforce the country’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign.
Show Notes:
- CGTN: Opinion: China’s Two Sessions and the lessons for Africa by David Owiro
- Anzetse Were: Shifts in China Africa Should Watch by Anzetse Were
- BBC News: China’s ‘two sessions’: Economics, environment and Xi’s power by Tilak Jha
About Anzetse Were:
Anzetse Were is an economist, researcher, and analyst with over 10 years of experience working in Africa on development economics, economic analysis and research, impact investment and enterprise development. Were is a weekly columnist for the Business Daily Africa whose work has also appeared in both local and international publications and websites. Her expertise in development economics has been sought out by local and international media houses such as BBC, CNBC Africa, The Economist, The Financial Times and local media houses.
