Chinese firms operating in Africa are often accused of underpaying local workers, but a new study conducted by British experts in Angola and Ethiopia suggests that this reputation is undeserved. As Chinese companies have become active in sub-Saharan Africa, they’ve earned a reputation for paying their local workers less than their Chinese colleagues. But based on interviews conducted with more than 1,400 workers in Angola and Ethiopia, this reputation is not deserved. The study certainly doesn’t absolve Chinese firms of any wrongdoing in sub-Saharan Africa, and only deals with pay in two countries. But it’s an indication that the narrative about Chinese firms exploiting locals might be more complicated than many assume.

Source: The North Africa Journal April 23, 2023 10:32 UTC