Having lived and worked in Africa for 15 years, I have seen the enormous investments China has made in the continent, and the misunderstandings, tensions and criticism that have followed. One of the most profound differences between China and the West in foreign engagement lies in the approach to aid and public image.
While China relies heavily on centralised state power, Western countries have developed a vast, decentralised network of non-governmental organisations. Through years of observation, I have become convinced that China should experiment with an NGO model that fits its unique context, one that better builds its soft power and human connections across the continent.
For decades, China has invested heavily in Africa’s infrastructure – building roads, railways, hospitals and schools. These projects have transformed landscapes and improved lives. But Chinese aid has largely operated on a government-to-government basis.
Medical teams, technical centres and construction companies represent the state’s outreach. In this model, there is minimal involvement from civil society, and little emphasis on grass-roots relationships or long-term community engagement.
In contrast, Western nations have cultivated a vibrant NGO ecosystem. From UN-linked agencies to small, local non-profit groups, these NGOs embody the soft side of Western engagement. They offer social services, build community ties and often fill policy gaps while providing millions of jobs and tax exemptions. Many of these organisations project an image of compassion and shared humanity, regardless of the size of their operation.
Meanwhile, as more Chinese companies and workers move to Africa, a narrative has emerged of China as a neocolonial power. This claim, whether an oversimplification or simply unfair, touches on real tensions: the massive scale of Chinese investment can overshadow local development, cultural clashes and workplace accidents feed media sensationalism, and Chinese nationals are often socially isolated from the communities they work in.
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How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa
How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa
