Carlos Oya has just published a fantastic book arguing that China’s rise in Africa presents real industrialization opportunities for the continent. He highlights two channels through which China contributes to industrialization in Africa: (a) infrastructure finance and construction, and (b) direct investment in manufacturing. However, Oya emphasises that outcomes are uneven and highly dependent on national policy and agency. African governments, firms, and workers negotiate, contest, and shape these outcomes. In particular, the state’s ability to discipline capital and proactively steer industrial policy is crucial. You can download the book for free (link in replies).