In recent times, China’s unique approach to providing official development assistance — particularly in Africa — has ”provoked strong reactions” from the international aid community.
Despite the countless debates, Chinese aid to Africa remains poorly understood and, to an extent, misunderstood. Although Beijing is generally regarded as Africa’s largest development partner, details of its ODA are sorely lacking, prompting calls for aid transparency and accountability.
This (deliberate) lack of transparency from the Chinese government regarding its aid portfolio in Africa is precisely what has led to misconceptions, according to an expert from a development research and innovation institution.