An Examination of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment into the Economies of Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract : This thesis studies the above stated question using a comparative approach. The examination conducted involved using qualitative textual analysis, quantitative judgment, and mixed method analysis. In addition to the stated thesis question, the following sub-questions were considered in the examination: Is Chinese financial aid to sub-Saharan Africa altruistic as professed, or is it correlated with commercial interests? Does financial aid from China improve the stability of a state? How quickly are Chinese SOEs accelerating their investments into sub-Saharan Africa? To what extent are these investments targeting natural resource extraction? How much of total sub-Saharan trade with China are the extraction of natural resources? What share of total sub-Saharan exports go to China? What countries have the greatest exposure to China consumption? Do SOE investments have a positive or negative correlation with a state's diaspora? How does trade with China affect the poverty levels of a state?