The Social and Environmental Impact of Special Economic Zones in Africa

The social and environmental dimension of Special Economic Zones is a critical consideration—the very reason for the establishment of such zones is to promote sustainable development for the countries in question. The Chapter firstly considers the social development commitment of China and the reciprocal responsibilities of Africa nations that are encapsulated in the Forum on China–African Cooperation. Evidence from Special Economic Zones, especially Chinese owned and operated zones that were visited for the purposes of this book, are then presented to determine the actual impact these zones have had—this evaluation considered the contribution they had on enterprise development; the upliftment of local communities and urban development; infrastructural benefits beyond the scope of the zones; improved access to services and facilities; as well as reviewed some negative outcomes such as conflict with local communities. The Chinese diaspora in Africa is contemplated, Chinese migration examined, while providing some insights into the integration of the Chinese living in these Zones with their African counterparts—the difficulties and triumphs. The successes that China has had in mitigating their own environmental problems, and their international commitments in this regard, is appraised. The contentious question as to whether China is ‘shifting’ their polluting industries to Africa is investigated, with specific application to an Ethiopian case study. In conclusion, the Chinese Model of Special Economic Zones is applied to this particular aspect of Special Economic Zones in Africa.