The determinants of Sub-Saharan African attitudes towards Chinese FDI

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand the reasons why individuals in Sub-Saharan African countries may be more supportive or more opposed to rising foreign direct investment (FDI) from China. As Chinese FDI continues to increase throughout Africa, African populations are consistently found to be supportive, sceptical or at time hostile. Previous literature has shown that the attitudes of individuals towards different classes of rights protections is a significant predictor of individual attitudes. This paper explores this question in greater detail, providing academics and policymakers insight into how individual attitudes are derived. Design/methodology/approach This paper uses large-N statistical methods (ordered logit regression) aimed at accurately unpacking the relationship between individuals affinity towards rights protections and attitudes towards Chinese FDI. The paper uses over 40,000 responses from 36 countries to explain this relationship, where updated survey questions more accurately address the key questions of interest. Findings Based on updated survey data, the results of this paper show that an individual’s affinity for a particular class of rights protection is not a significant predictor of attitudes towards Chinese FDI. Originality/value The value of this paper is in its contradiction to the previous literature. While others have examined this very question, academics have been limited due to the marginally relevant questions found in survey instruments. With updated questions in the newest round of Afrobarometer surveys that are more appropriate given this specific research question, this paper provides a new conclusion to a question that is only becoming more pressing in today's global economic climate.