The Collaboration Between Huawei and Senegalese Universities as Implementation Strategy of Chinese-African BRI Politics?

The development of Huawei’s cooperation and programs in Senegalese universities raises the broader question of China’s media presence in the country. This presence, which could be seen as a sign of solidarity in the way of social and economic development, is also part of the China’s new policy through its Belt Road Initiatives. Huawei, as China’s national champion in technological infrastructure, is becoming a dynamic ambassador for a new vision of diplomatic relations based on soft power. It is as much involved in providing equipment as it is in training and enhancing the technical skills of young future Senegalese managers. Nevertheless, it is important to see in this investment, which isn’t really disinterested, not a simple digital humanism but also a desire to influence that does not necessarily say its name, and which raises serious questions about risks in data managing or the other problems linked to technologies, as well as their political and economic stakes. Indeed, this chapter provides a critical analysis of Huawei’s policies in the higher education sector, while demonstrating the alignment of its actions and partnership with the Belt Road Initiatives, particularly in this country.