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Chinese investment in Zambia, local traders mixed views

2024-01-21 20:52:12, Kosova & Bota CNA

Authorities in Zambia say trade between their country and China will reach over $5 billion by 2022. The increased level of trade, however, has brought an influx of Chinese products to the domestic market. While some Zambians are grateful for the increased variety of products on the market, others complain about the competition these products have created.

Jones Ngala is one of the traders in Lusaka. He sells construction materials imported from South Africa. He used to sell clothes, but he was forced to stop this activity as he could not compete with Chinese goods that are sold at a cheaper price. Mr. Ngala says he is facing difficulties.

"Initially, I sold clothes and later started selling building materials to keep the business alive after the blow I got from the entry of cheap Chinese products into the market."

Another trader in Lusaka says he sells electronic products imported from China. He is more satisfied with them.

"China is producing every kind of item that we want. We are selling phones, computers and they are very good…”

Consumers on the streets of Lusaka have mixed opinions about Chinese imports.

"I prefer goods made in the West because they are better. I say "no" to Chinese products, because they are not of good quality and they are cheap," she says.

"I support China's approach to us, because China has always stood by Africans, we like Chinese products."

Economist Emmanuel Zulu says that countries like Zambia have not benefited enough from Chinese investments. He wants the Chinese and Zambian authorities to focus more not only on importing Chinese goods, but also on developing manufacturing and professional capacities in Zambia to create opportunities for both countries.

"While it has helped bring into the market goods that are not manufactured in us, it has also created stiff competition for goods that are manufactured in Zambia and to some extent hindered the development of Zambia's industrial base."

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema paid a state visit to Beijing in September and signed several bilateral agreements with China aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga told VOA in an interview that his government is working with Chinese authorities to build manufacturing plants and train workers in Zambia in sectors such as mining, electronics, textiles and agriculture. / VOA