By Dr Basil Hamusokwe (PPRIZ Research Fellow)
This report highlights key aspects of the longstanding bilateral relationship between Zambia and China. The historical roots of this relationship trace back several decades, originating during anti-colonial struggles. Formal diplomatic ties between the two states were established shortly after independence on October 29, 1964. The relationship was first anchored on the political emancipation struggle of Zambia in which China provided financial and material support. The Zambian government initiated investments in transportation infrastructure aimed at bolstering economic development in the country and fostering support for political liberalisation movements across Southern Africa. China then considered the construction of the Tanzania Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) rail line as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Zambia.
Furthermore, with Zambia’s receptive stance towards foreign investment, China continued to engage the country across diverse spheres including those of economic, social, technological, and cultural nature. The advent of a multiparty democratic system in Zambia during the early 1990s heralded a new phase in Sino-Zambian relations. Subsequently, the post-1991 era witnessed a trend of economic investment in Zambia.
Zambia has since emerged as a prominent trade partner for China. Notably, China has invested heavily in the country, especially in the construction and mining sectors, creating jobs and new infrastructure. More than 500 Chinese enterprises are actively contributing across various sectors of the Zambian economy. Moreover, China’s role as Zambia’s largest bilateral creditor, with the latter owing approximately US$4.1 billion, demonstrates the depth of financial interdependence between the two countries. Nevertheless, the burgeoning relationship between these two countries has garnered controversies and negative sentiments from various stakeholders, particularly concerning labour relations between Chinese employers and Zambian workers.
It is important to note that Sino-Zambian relations were mimicked by the late President Kenneth Kaunda and his government’s adoption of single-party socialism, an ideology inspired by the Communist Party of China (CPC). Despite Zambia’s transition to multi-party democracy post-1990, its diplomatic relations with China remained steadfast. China’s substantial presence in Zambia, manifested through investments and private enterprises, has continued to expand. However, Zambian politicians have exhibited varying stances towards China, often depending on their political affiliations and whether their party is the ruling government. Despite this, there is a discernible pattern wherein politicians, upon assuming public office, tend to align with Chinese interests.
Furthermore, over recent decades, the demographic composition of Chinese nationals in Zambia has rapidly increased. According to the 2022 U.N. World Population Report, the Chinese population in Zambia was approximately 80,000. This population increase has augmented the social and cultural relations between the two countries. Observable instances of intermarriages between Chinese expatriates and Zambian citizens have been reported, facilitated by the integration of Chinese personnel with Zambian workers and residents across various operational sites, including construction, mining, and other business ventures.
Moreover, the establishment of the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia stands as a strategic endeavour aimed at disseminating Chinese language and culture within the Zambian context. However, it is noteworthy that the Chinese language and cultural initiatives have scrutinised within the discourse of imperialism and neo-colonialism.
In relation to information communication technology (ICT), China and Zambia have entered into several agreements, reflecting a growing emphasis of technological cooperation in recent years. Noteworthy among these agreements is the Smart Zambia initiative. In 2015, Zambia formalised a joint framework and financing agreement for Smart Zambia, with Huawei designated as the primary project supplier. Subsequently, the Zambian government launched the Smart Zambia Agenda in September 2015. Furthermore, beyond the Smart Zambia project, bilateral agreements between the two states extend into the realms of media and technology.
Given the significance of these agreements and their potential implications, it is imperative for stakeholders including lawmakers, policymakers, civil society actors, and the media to engage actively in comprehending the content and ramifications of these deals. This engagement ensures informed decision-making and facilitates oversight to safeguard national interests and uphold transparency in bilateral engagements.