Workers check the equipment at a cocoa processing complex in the PK24 Industrial Park on the northwestern outskirts of Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire, May 27, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
By Stephen Ndegwa
In the ongoing global conversation about foreign investment in Africa, the loudest voices often belong to those furthest from the reality on the ground. One frequently overlooked truth is that Chinese companies have made genuine and sustained efforts to protect labor rights and promote long-term social and economic development across Africa.
Far from the persistent myths of exploitation, many Chinese-backed projects are not only complying with local labor laws but are helping transform lives through fair employment, skills development and community-focused investments.
At the heart of China's presence in Africa is a philosophy rooted in mutual benefit. Whether building infrastructure, setting up factories, or developing energy projects, Chinese enterprises approach their African engagements with a clear commitment to long-term local integration. Increasingly, this commitment is being reflected in how these companies uphold labor rights, safety standards and community well-being.
Take, for instance, Chinese footwear maker Huajian Group's presence in Ethiopia. From its early days, the company made a conscious decision to prioritize local employment. Thousands of Ethiopian workers now staff its facilities, receiving fair wages that comply with local standards. Beyond wages, the company ensures safe working conditions by providing essential protective gear, holding regular safety drills and enforcing clear health protocols. Many employees have been offered training trips to China to learn advanced manufacturing techniques, giving them valuable skills that extend far beyond the factory floor.
This model is increasingly common. Across Africa, from the construction of roads in Kenya to hydropower stations in Zambia, Chinese companies are aligning with local labor laws and international standards. In Angola, the China Jiangsu International Economic and Technical Cooperation Group has implemented strict safety measures at construction sites while also organizing training programs for Angolan workers. These are not public relations efforts but are built into the operational DNA of each project, often in cooperation with labor ministries, unions and local contractors.
The impact of these efforts goes beyond individual workplaces. Chinese investment has been a catalyst for broader economic transformation. The Ethiopia-Djibouti railway, jointly constructed by China Railway Engineering Corporation and China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation, is a case in point.
During construction, over 90 percent of the workforce was Ethiopian or Djiboutian. Many were previously unemployed and have since gained valuable skills in engineering, logistics and railway operations. Today, some of them are training the next generation of workers in technical schools.
Moreover, the benefits of these projects extend well beyond direct employment. Improved transportation infrastructure allows farmers to access new markets, enables students to travel to schools more easily, and helps small businesses grow by connecting them to regional trade hubs. Where once there were impassable roads, there are now lifelines of commerce and opportunity.
A train at the Lebu Railway Station in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]
Although there is criticism of Chinese companies over isolated cases of poor labor practices, what sets China apart, however, is its growing recognition of these challenges and its proactive steps to address them. Both the Chinese government and enterprises have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving transparency, strengthening accountability and aligning with international labor standards. In a landscape where all major global investors face regulatory complexities, China's willingness to engage, learn and reform reflects a genuine effort to ensure its investments deliver shared and sustainable benefits.
In 2022, China introduced guidelines for ecological environmental protection in foreign investment cooperation and construction projects, which emphasize respect for host countries' laws and labor rights, environmental responsibility and community engagement. The China-Africa Cooperation Vision 2035 also highlights commitments to local job creation, knowledge sharing and sustainable development. These policies reflect a larger strategic shift toward responsible and people-centered investment.
It is also important to acknowledge the growing role of African agency in shaping the terms of foreign investment. Governments and civil society groups are becoming more vocal and sophisticated in their demands for fair labor practices, environmental protection and inclusive growth. Chinese companies have shown flexibility and responsiveness, adjusting their practices to align more closely with local expectations and aspirations.
As Africa continues to industrialize and modernize its infrastructure, it will need global partners who are more than just financiers and invest in sustainable and inclusive progress. Chinese enterprises, through their deepening commitment to fair labor practices, skills development and social investment, are positioning themselves as such partners.
This is not a one-sided story of benevolence. It is a partnership built on evolving trust, growing mutual respect and shared prosperity. Africa is not a passive recipient but a co-architect of this engagement. And China's role is increasingly defined by adaptation, accountability and positive impact.
Stephen Ndegwa, a special commentator for CGTN, is the executive director of South-South Dialogues, a Nairobi-based communications development think tank.
