China in Africa’s telecom sector: opportunities for human capital development? A case of Huawei in Nigeria

Abstract

The inflow of Chinese investments into Africa's telecom sector presents opportunities for skill building and technology transfer, and African governments through their policy measures and actions can maximise these opportunities. This article examines how Chinese investments in Africa have contributed to human capital development and what role the government has played in leveraging these investments. Analysing data from a case study of Huawei in Nigeria, the study finds that Chinese enterprises operating in Africa are well placed to contribute significantly to skill building and technology transfer. However, their efforts need to be supported by government policies, which are important for human capital development. This paper contributes to the emergent literature on Chinese economic engagement in Africa and its implications for human capital development in Africa. Moreover, it provides an insight into the role of government policy in human capital development in Africa.

Huawei knowledge transfer in Africa: Corporate communication and users’ responses on social networks

“…In fact, big Chinese companies are more than happy to launch training initiatives which not only ‘create competitive advantage through transferring their reconfiguration knowledge relevant to local [needs]’ (Rui et al, 2017: 133), but also help them to gain visibility among the population and political leverage with the local authorities (Corkin, 2012). Training can take the form of on-site education, academies and vocational schools (Agbebi, 2018; Musyimi et al, 2018; Rui et al, 2017).…”

Huawei's linkages with local firms in Tanzania: Idiosyncratic benefits and risks

“…First, China's development model (i.e., long‐term planning, determination, and support to building entrepreneurship and production facilities) makes a lot of sense and can support Africa to some extent (Tsui, 2016; Yanshuo, 2011). Second, as one of the major players in Africa's telecommunications industry, Huawei has been heavily involved in either setting up or improving core infrastructure and developing human capital on which Africa's communications industry relies (Agbebi, 2018; Tsui, 2016). For Africa, the lack of adequate infrastructure has always been a bottleneck for socio‐economic development.…”

“…Thus, governments and telecoms operators have welcome Chinese investments in the industry to address a dire need for infrastructure development and investment on the continent (Cisse, 2012). Third, Huawei could develop appropriate and affordable technologies which contribute to the success in the Africa's telecommunications industry (Agbebi, 2018; Cisse, 2012).…”

“…These are more reliable because of Huawei's long‐term maintenance services for their clients (Wong, 2015). While African mobile revolution is regarded as a core infrastructure sector with strong multiplier effects on the rest of the economy (Tsui, 2016; Tugendhat, 2020; Wong, 2015), the potential of Chinese investments to add value to African development has generally been questioned (Agbebi, 2018; Cisse, 2012; Tsui, 2016).…”

The Belt and Road Initiative and Africa’s Sustainable Development: A Case Study of Kenya

“…Despite the impetus towards stronger Sino-African cooperation, there is far from a consensus over China's role and impact in Africa with differing perspectives and interpretations at play in the debate. Juxtaposed to the view that China's involvement in Africa is not altruistic, but based on a realistic and practical partnership of reciprocal needs and mutual gains, are detailed data analyses assessing aspects such as China's economic impact on Africa (Oqubay and Lin 2019; Jayaram, Kassiri and Sun 2017); China's role in mitigating poverty and inequality in Africa (Huu and Schwiebert 2019); 'responsible engagement' (Xu 2017: 1), including China's changing approach to global corporate social responsibility (Agbebi 2018;Ho 2017;Liu 2015); and China's environmental footprint in Africa (Shinn 2015 Gadzala 2015;van Dijk 2011;Raine 2009;Alden 2007;Alden and Davies 2006). This literature provides a broad spectrum of perspectives.…”