Insights for Africa’s Industrialisation
China’s development experience and lessons can be of great benefit to Africa’s modernisation drive
The First Industrial Revolution in the 18th century started the modernisation process marked by profound economic, social, and cultural transformations in the world. Research shows that the process of industrialisation is closely associated with improvements in people’s living standards and their quality of life. Industrialisation, with economic and technological change at its core, is central to modernisation.
On its path to modernisation, China has pursued industrialisation and managed to become the world’s largest manufacturer since 2010. From 1990 to 2022, China’s share of manufacturing value added in GDP increased from 15.7 percent to 28.3 percent. Industrialisation is the foundation for improving the well-being of the country’s 1.4 billion people. China’s human development index increased from 0.41 in 1978 to 0.77 in 2021.
Africa is home to the largest number of developing countries and the youngest population in the world. For decades, many African countries have been striving for industrialisation, which is expected to bring economic growth, create jobs and generate better income. The African Union has called for action on industrialising Africa’s economy in Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.
Responding to Africa’s aspiration, China launched the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialisation during the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue in South Africa on 24 August 2023. The initiative not only proposes practical support to Africa’s industrialisation, but also opens up more avenues for cooperation between the two sides. The following aspects of China’s industrialisation experience could be particularly relevant for Africa’s development.
Chinese strategy
China has stayed focused on agricultural development. The country has encouraged