China’s economic and trade cooperation zones in Africa: from static model emulation to dynamic learning

Alves, Ana Cristina and Alden, Christopher (2024) China’s economic and trade cooperation zones in Africa: from static model emulation to dynamic learning. Area Development and Policy. ISSN 2379-2957

Text (China’s Economic and Trade Cooperation Zones in Africa) - Accepted Version Repository staff only until 29 July 2025. Download (1MB) | Request a copy

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Abstract

This article explores the intricacies of replicating China’s structural economic transformation through special economic zones (SEZs) in Africa, with a focus on the Eastern Industry Zone (EIZ) in Ethiopia. Combining insights from empirical research and the literature on China’s development model, African SEZs and Chinese economic and trade cooperation zones (ETCZs) in Africa, we contend that while static industrialisation policies can be transposed more readily, the dynamic aspects that underpin China’s model face challenges due to differences in institutional capacity and contextual synergies (internal and external). This hampers the efficacy of ETCZs in steering structural economic transformation. The article advocates for a more creative adaptation process, urging dynamic learning and leadership level innovation to address institutional and structural weaknesses while reducing vulnerability to externalities.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.tandfonline.com/journals/rard20
Additional Information:	© 2024 Regional Studies Association
Divisions:	International Relations
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory
JEL classification:	O - Economic Development, Technological Change, and Growth > O1 - Economic Development > O10 - General
Date Deposited:	23 Jan 2024 09:54
Last Modified:	08 Feb 2024 16:42
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/121446

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